The Opportunities Party will contest the next election but founder Dr Gareth Morgan will not be leading it.

The party said it will continue its campaign for best practice policy to address the economic and social challenges facing New Zealand.

Morgan said that after extensive discussions within the ranks of TOP, the party is committed to building on its strong support base from the 2017 campaign to give New Zealanders a "real, progressive choice at the ballot box whenever the next election might be".

"While there are some signs of progress from the new government, it is still not addressing the fundamental issues facing the country and has kicked for touch on major areas of concern such as genuine tax reform to boost productivity and fairness, real environmental progress, and overhauling our outdated welfare system," said Morgan.

Senior party members were heartened that in just 10 months, more than 60,000 people voted for TOP at the September election.

The party said it was focused on at least doubling that figure to ensure TOP had a voice in the next parliament.

Morgan will continue as leader while the party considers who will be at the forefront of the next election campaign.

"The fact is, while I remain committed to helping fund and coordinate TOP's evidence-based policies, I have no desire to lead the party in Parliament.

"With a strong group of candidates and supporters it is proper to pass that torch on to someone else prior to the next election," said Morgan.

- NZ Newswire