Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
National MP Maureen Pugh has announced she will retire from politics at this year's election.
The former Westland mayor, who served as a list MP before winning the West Coast-Tasman seat in 2023, said she wanted to "rest a little" and devote more of her time to her family.
"I'll be reclaiming my gardens from the rampant West Coast bush, listening to more country music, and taking a little time to appreciate the many blessings in my life," she said.
"My family sacrificed a lot of time with me so I could do my job in Wellington. It's taken a while to make this decision, but I've learned the hard way just how short and precious life is."
After serving nine years as mayor of Westland, Pugh entered Parliament off the list in 2016, following the retirement of Tim Groser.
She did not return to Parliament in 2017, but came back in 2018, after the retirement of Sir Bill English.
In both 2014 and 2017, she had just missed out after the return of the special votes, giving herself the nickname of the "yo-yo MP."
In 2020, she placed high enough on the list to return.
Pugh unsuccessfully contested the West Coast-Tasman seat three times, losing out to Labour's Damien O'Connor each time.
She finally won it off O'Connor in 2023.
She said she had always flown her flag high for the region and was proud of having championed regional development, infrastructure, and conservation.
"The Coast is particularly special to me, being my home, and my hope is that whoever follows in my footsteps will continue to cherish its uniqueness, unspoilt beauty and special character," she said.
National MP Maureen Pugh dons an apron at a Parliament Outreach BBQ at Westport's Tai Poutini Polytechnic, 28 November 2022. Photo: Johnny Blades / VNP
This term, she also served as an Assistant Speaker, and said she had learned a lot about patience and being "hands-on" in the processes of democracy.
Pugh has had a colourful Parliamentary career, occasionally courting controversy for her views on Covid-19 and climate change.
Simon Bridges talks to the media after Jami-Lee Ross releases a phone call about a $100,000 donation to the National Party. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
In 2018, former leader Simon Bridges called Pugh "f***ing useless" in a private phonecall with Jami-Lee Ross, which Ross later released during his feud with Bridges.
In 2021, Pugh revealed she had been struck by lightning three times in her life.
Pugh is the second National MP to announce their retirement at the election, following New Lynn MP Paulo Garcia.
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