Among six of the government’s 64 MPs, Pasifika Ministers Aupito William Sio and Poto Williams will retire at the 2023 election.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement today. Also retiring are David Clark, Jamie Strange, Marja Lubeck and Paul Eagle. All will stay in parliament until the election.
Prime Minister Ardern says ,“I want to thank them personally for their work and for being part of our team. They have all made an important contribution to the Government and the lives of New Zealanders.”
“To each I want to say thank you, with special mention of Ministers. Minister Sio has done huge work in the Pacific, been a fierce advocate for his community, and I will forever be grateful for his role in the Dawn Raids apology.
“Minister Williams brought her experience in the community sector to Cabinet, working across groups as diverse as the construction sector through to the disability community. She also did a huge amount of work on the implementation of gun reforms, says Prime Minister Ardern.
Aupito William Sio entered parliament in 2008, winning the Mangere seat in South Auckland and Poto Williams entered in 2013 winning in a by election in Christchurch.
These retirements will have no immediate impact on Cabinet with a reshuffle not scheduled until early next year.
