National MP Nuk Korako says he will retire from politics in a month to make way for a new candidate

National MP Nuk Korako will deliver his valedictory speech on May 1 and will officially leave Parliament on May 16. Photo / Supplied

National MP Nuk Korako is retiring from politics to make way for a new National candidate to contest the Christchurch electorate of Port Hills.

His departure was relatively unexpected and National Leader Simon Bridges said he was "sorry to see him announce his retirement from Parliament".

Korako will deliver his valedictory speech on May 1 and will officially leave Parliament on May 16.

He has been a list MP for five years. There will be no byelection in the electorate, given his is a list MP.

"I wanted to retire now so a new National Party candidate could be selected and have time to get to know the issues and people of Port Hills well ahead of the election."

The current MP for Port Hills is Ruth Dyson – who has held the seat (which has undergone several boundary changes) since 1993.

She announced earlier this years she will retire from politics before the 2020 election.

Korako said he expected National to do well in the 2020 race for Port Hills.

"I will be there to support the new candidate when they are selected."

In a statement, Bridges praised Korako and his contribution to politics over the past half-decade.

"Nuk was instrumental as chair of the National Party Māori Caucus in developing Māori capability within the National Party. He established the regional Kahurangi National Māori Groups and will continue this work."

Korako said it has been privilege and a pleasure to work for the Port Hills community.

"We have shared some trying times together. The earthquakes, the Port Hills fires and the recent terror attack. I leave knowing our community has grown together and become stronger."

He said he was especially proud to have chaired the Māori Affairs Select Committee - shepherding 16 Treaty Settlements to a conclusion.

"The Parihaka settlement is a particularly poignant one for me. Te Whiti and the Taranaki men that were wrongfully imprisoned were looked after by my Rāpaki hapū and so our ties run deep."

Korako said his focus will now turn to a range of opportunities that he will pursue.
He is also looking forward to spending more time with his wife Chris and their four sons.