MP Damien O'Connor and his wife separate

West Coast/Tasman MP Damien O'Connor and his wife Vicky have separated after 12 years of marriage.

They have four young daughters.

Mr O'Connor is Racing Minister and Associate Minister of Agriculture, Rural Affairs, Immigration and Health. He has represented West Coast/Tasman for 11 years.

In a joint statement, the O'Connors asked the media to respect their privacy and said they would be making no further public comment on the separation.

- NZPA