National's Peachey to stand aside in Tamaki

Allan Peachey. File photo / Martin Sykes

National's Tamaki MP Allan Peachey has confirmed he will stand aside at the next election.

Mr Peachey, who has suffered a number of health scares since he was elected to the historically strong National seat in 2005, did not wish to discuss his health this afternoon but told the Herald his decision was down to a lack of confidence that he could serve out another three year term.

He said he wished to spare the taxpayer the expense of a by-election.

National Party President Peter Goodfellow said National would re-open a shortened candidate selection process in the electorate.

"On behalf of the whole National family, I want to send Allan our warmest and best wishes for the future. We are behind him as he leaves to focus on his treatment and recovery and spend more time with friends and family.''

Mr Peachey informed Mr Goodfellow of his decision yesterday, following a meeting with party executives and electorate staff on Sunday at which his health was discussed.

Nominations will open tomorrow and close on October 14. A final selection is expected around October 25.

"This has been an understandably difficult decision for Allan who has remained committed to serving Tamaki as its Member of Parliament. We wish him well and plan to do him proud by running a strong campaign in this important electorate,'' said Mr Goodfellow.

Mr Peachey, 61, a former principal of Rangitoto College, holds the blue ribbon Tamaki seat with an enormous 17,020 vote majority.

The National Party candidacy for Tamaki, for many years held by former National Party Prime Minister Rob Muldoon and then by Clem Simich, is likely to be keenly contested.