After 14 years as the National MP for Waitaki, Jacqui Dean has announced she will retire at the 2023 election.

Waitaki, which includes the Upper Clutha, is one of the largest electorates in the country.

“It’s a vast electorate and I have loved representing every inch of it,” Jacqui said. “The reality is that I’ve spent the past 25 years in public service – first in local government and then as a Member of Parliament. 

“It’s a long time by anyone’s standards so now feels like the right time to signal my intention to move on.”

Jacqui said she has advised National Party leader Christopher Luxon she will not put her name forward at the upcoming election, which she says gives the party plenty of time to select an “excellent candidate” to stand in the electorate.

“I feel proud of the contribution I’ve been able to make over my 17 years as an MP,” Jacqui said.

She has served under PM Sir John Key, as commerce and consumer affairs minister under Sir Bill English, and more recently in opposition as National’s spokesperson for conservation and as assistant speaker.

Jacqui has taken an interest in local issues like the future of Wānaka Airport and in a previous interview told the Wānaka App that Wānaka has a special place in her heart.

“I haven’t missed a Wanaka A&P Show in over a decade, enjoyed Warbirds over Wānaka, the occasional walk up Mount Iron to blow away the cobwebs, and bike rides around the Outlet Track when the autumn leaves are falling.” 

Jacqui said she believed New Zealand needs the National Party to win the next election and she believes Christopher Luxon would make an “excellent” PM.

“National is in a fantastic position and I will do everything I can in the next 18 months to support Christopher Luxon, Nicola Willis and my caucus colleagues to ensure National wins the 2023 election.”

PHOTO: Supplied