MP for Whangarei Phil Heatley has announced he is retiring from politics at the 2014 election after five terms in Parliament.
Phil Heatley. Photo: NATIONAL PARTY
Mr Heatley has held Whangarei for National since 1999, taking it from marginal seat status to a 12,000 vote majority at the last election.
He served as Minister of Fisheries from 2008 until 2011, Minister of Housing from 2008 and Minister of Energy from 2011 until early this year, when he lost his portfolios in a Cabinet reshuffle.
Mr Heatley, 46, says he is proud of the legislative reforms he drove in marine farming, but his greatest satisfaction has been getting good outcomes for his Whangarei constituents.
He says he's enjoyed the challenges of being an MP and cabinet minister, but it's time for him to move on to fresh opportunities in the private sector.
Mr Heatley joins fellow National MPs Paul Hutchison, Cam Calder, Chris Tremain and Chris Auchinvole who have all announced their retirement in the past few weeks.
He says he will offer his support to National's new candidate, who is yet to be selected.
