A controversial bill that would have allowed people to choose to end their lives, has been axed again by Labour.

The euthanasia bill was withdrawn from Parliament's ballot ahead of the election, to avoid distraction, and MP Iain Lees-Galloway has been told by his leader not to resubmit it.

Andrew Little says Labour needs to focus on rebuilding - although he's not ruling out the bill's return down the track.

"You never abandon these issues, but it's about priorities and knowing that we're down to 32 MPs.

"When we're satisfied we've kind-of done what we need to on that, we can get back to a range of other issues as well."