By Lee Scanlon, Westport News
Damien O'Connor. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Labour List MP Damien O'Connor on Monday confirmed he won't seek to regain the West Coast-Tasman electorate at the November general election.
Asked why, O'Connor said: "I'm now residing in Dunedin."
He moved there for personal reasons last year, but has remained Labour's 'buddy' MP for West Coast-Tasman.
O'Connor said he was not announcing his retirement from politics. However, he would not say whether he planned to stand in an electorate or seek a list place.
"Those are issues that have to be worked through with the party and caucus colleagues."
Westport-born O'Connor has represented West Coast-Tasman, either as an electorate or List MP, for 33 years - and for much longer in other ways, he said on Monday.
His decision to move on provided an opportunity for a new Labour candidate. He had spoken to five or six people interested in putting their names forward for selection.
Labour' list of candidates would not be known until 1 February.
Asked about his achievements for the electorate, O'Connor said they ranged from helping constituents get a home to securing government funding, such as the $120 million for Development West Coast when Labour ended native logging.
"I've worked with a great team of electorate agents who have done their bit every day to help West Coasters with their challenges. That's been some of those small but really significant things I'm really proud of."
He was also proud of the development of tourism and establishing Westland Milk Products as an independent dairy company, when others merged, of the expansion of Stockton mine and the success of Oceana Gold's Reefton gold mine.
"All of those things, at different stages, have required some direct political advocacy. There's a long list and there are still ongoing challenges."
O'Connor has held multiple ministerial portfolios in Labour governments. He hedged over which he had enjoyed most.
"All have their challenges and rewards in terms of making a difference."
He was proud of developing and expanding rehabilitation programmes in Corrections, his trade and agriculture work, defeating mycoplasma bovis and ending live animal exports, he said.
National was also on the hunt for a West Coast-Tasman candidate after Maureen Pugh announced on Friday that she would retire at the November election.
Former Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine was seeking New Zealand First's selection.
