UPDATED 2.41pm National and Pakuranga MP Maurice Williamson has announced he will not seek re-election at next year’s election.

“I thank the people of the Pakuranga electorate who have so generously supported me for the past 30 years,” Williamson said.

“I particularly appreciated their continued loyal support after the introduction of MMP in 1996, which enabled voters to support a political party but not necessarily that party’s candidate.”

A former Minister, Mr Williamson's career has had some controversy.

He resigned as Minister back in 2014 after he made, what was called by the Prime Minister, a 'serious error of judgement' when he approached police over domestic violence matter they were looking into regarding controversial businessman Donghua Liu.

Mr Williamson was also suspended by from his party's caucus back in 2003 over his criticisms of then party leader Bill English.

However he also hit international headlines for his support of marriage equality laws, particularly for his now famous comment about a "big gay rainbow" in his electorate.

Labour leader Andrew Little's describing Mr Williamson as "a very colourful character", but someone who is always clear cut in what he stands for.

"Hasn't been shy about picking fights with his leader from time to time. They seem to be encouraged of course and he made the great speech at the time of the marriage equality debate. Talked about the big gay rainbow. I think the disappointing thing is that he didn't take up the invitation to go on The Ellen Degeneres Show."

The announcement means National now has another safe seat to find a new candidate for.

Two blue seats in the North Island are now up for grabs with Waikato also to be vacant after incumbent MP Lindsay Tisch announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down at the next election