Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has paid tribute to her long-term political rival, Nikki Kaye, after the National MP announced her shock retirement this morning.
"Ultimately, someone with a lot of experience has retired today in Nikki, and I do want to wish her all the best as someone I know personally," Ardern told media this morning.
Kaye was Todd Muller's deputy but did not seek to be re-selected in the leadership vote this week that was won by Judith Collins.
Ardern and Kaye have been political rivals for years.
They ran against each other in Auckland Central in 2011 and 2014 – Kaye winning both times.
Although Ardern would not be drawn on details of National leader Judith Collins' reshuffle, she did have a few parting works for Kaye – "someone I know very well".
"She has been a very experienced member who I have enjoyed worked with and I wish her all the best."
Although not going into much detail, she did say: National "are obviously going through big changes".
Asked about doing a deal with the Greens in Auckland Central, Ardern said: "It's not something that we have engaged in before and it's not something I see any reason to do now".
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