Labour MP Louisa Wall, who led the marriage equality law change, has resigned from Parliament citing "events during the 2020 election" as the reason.
Ahead of the election in 2020, Wall gave up trying to defend her Manurewa electorate seat, after a legal battle over who was allowed to stand for the party's nomination.
Wall held the seat since 2011, but ended up running on the Labour Party list. Her withdrawal came after threatening legal action against her party for allowing a late nomination by Arena Williams to contest the seat, which she won.
"My resignation has come about following events during the 2020 election. Leaving Parliament is always tinged with some sadness but I do so still passionate about serving New Zealanders," Wall said in a statement on Tuesday.
"While I'm resigning from Parliament at this time, I'll continue to be involved in the issues I am passionate about; particularly indigenous rights, human rights, equality and the rights of women and the LGBTQI+ community."
Wall has been an MP for 13 years but has never held a ministerial portfolio, raising questions about whether she was too controversial.
The Labour MP made headlines in mid-2021, first suggesting her own Government should be doing more to stop China's alleged human rights abuses, and then accepting a National Party speaking slot on mental health after Labour didn't give her one.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, at the time, said there was no room in Cabinet.
"I'd say there are many more people in our caucus who have the skills and ability generally to be ministers who are not, because we only have 20 of them."
First elected in 2008 as an MP on Labour's list, Wall held the seat of Manurewa from 2011 to 2020. During her time in Parliament, she championed and won marriage equality for same-sex couples in 2013, passed law that establishes safe zones for women having abortions and in most recent weeks advanced legislation for Paige Harris.
"It's been an honour to represent and provide a voice in parliament to those who are so often unheard," Wall said.
"I've loved working as a parliamentarian and have enjoyed building relationships with colleagues across the house. Most recently I've thoroughly enjoyed my role as co-chair of the Inter-parliamentary Alliance on China and advocating for human rights."
Ardern, as Labour leader, paid tribute to the outgoing MP.
"Louisa has been a hero to many throughout her parliamentary career. Her commitment to human rights and equality has been absolutely unwavering. She has been relentless in her pursuit of human rights for all," Ardern said.
"As successful in the Parliament as she was in the sporting arena previously, Louisa is internationally renowned for her work and I am sure we will see her before too long continuing her advocacy in a new arena.
"On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish Louisa all the best with her next steps. I know she will keep advocating for justice and does so with the support, aroha and thanks of her Labour family and all she served."
National's mental health spokesperson Matt Doocey also paid tribute to Wall.
"Sad to hear the news today that my parliamentary colleague Louisa Wall is to retire from politics. Louisa and I have worked constructively together across the political divide to establish Parliament's first cross-party mental health group to champion solutions longer than the three year parliamentary cycle," he wrote in a Facebook post.
"I have huge respect for Louisa who was always focused on what was the right thing to do for Kiwis, not just what was right for her career. Louisa would be one of the most talented MPs that I have worked with that didn't become a minister."
Wall will give her valedictory statement in Parliament on April 14.
