Katherine Rich to stand down at election

National MP Katherine Rich today announced that she was standing down from Parliament at the next election.

"Over the summer I had a chance to think about the future for my children and my family and concluded that it's time to move on to face new challenges.

"The Party is in good heart. I have no doubt that National will win the election and John Key will be New Zealand's next Prime Minister.

"John and the rest of his National team have a great vision for this country and the energy and ability to implement it.

"Being a Minister in John Key's cabinet would have been a huge privilege and honour for me.

"I do not doubt my ability to fill such a role. However, after much thought, I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that with two young children I would not have been able to do justice to it without unfairly impacting upon their lives.

"It has been an honour representing the National Party in Parliament these past nine years.

"Over the next few months I look forward to continuing to fulfil my role as a National Member of Parliament on select committees, assisting the new education spokeswoman and undertaking any other the role the Party asks of me.

"Announcing the decision now gives the new education spokeswoman time to take over and also time for the Dunedin North electorate to select a candidate."