After almost 28 years in Parliament, former Finance Minister, Michael Cullen has bowed out of politics.
He gave his last speech to the House on Wednesday, before a packed public gallery.
Dr Cullen came to Parliament as the Labour MP for St Kilda in 1981, describing himself as a history lecturer with a fear of flying.
He became the party's deputy leader 1996. From 1999, he was the Finance Minister for nine years.
Labour leader Phil Goff said the departure of Helen Clark and Dr Cullen marked the end of an era.
