Helen Clark says goodbye to parliament

Helen Clark. Photo / Mark Mitchell

New Zealand's former Prime Minister has "no regrets" after her remarkable nine-year term as leader of the country, she said today.

Helen Clark was addressing a packed parliamentary chamber in her valedictory speech.

The most remarkable topic in her speech was when she asserted New Zealand will inevitably give up the British monarchy as head of state.

"It's a question of not if but when," she said during her farewell address, which was light on emotion.

She also took the opportunity to attack the return of titular honours, introduced by the National government shortly after their return to power.

She concluded by saying it had been a special privilege to lead the Labour Party for such an extended period of time.

Helen Clark, 59, is retiring as the member of parliament for Mt Albert to take up her new post as head of the United Nations Development Programme.

Maori King Tuheitia Paki was also present in the House.

- NZHERALD STAFF