National Party president Peter Goodfellow has resigned after more than 13 years in the role.
Goodfellow will remain as a director on the board for a final term and a new president will be elected at the National Party's annual conference in August.
Party leader Christopher Luxon announced Goodfellow's departure on Thursday and thanked him for his contribution to National.
"Peter should be immensely proud of his legacy and the contribution he has made not only as the party's longest-serving president but also as a member and supporter for over 50 years. We are grateful for his exceptional record of service," Luxon said in a statement.
"I have found Peter's experience, knowledge and wise counsel invaluable in the time that I have been leader."
Luxon said Goodfellow has seen the party through a period of change but has decided to move on now the caucus is "unified".
"Peter now feels it is a good time to stand down as president given the party's renewal has been completed with a new leadership team established, the caucus unified, and a refreshed team of political and campaign staff in place."
In a statement on Thursday, Goodfellow said it has been an honour serving the party.
"I've seen highs and lows and after much reflection, I feel the time is now right for someone else to take National into the future as president.
"Some may remember that I intended to retire in 2016 but with the resignation of Prime Minister Rt Hon Sir John Key, I was convinced to remain in the role to help ensure a stable transition of leadership to Rt Hon Sir Bill English and to deliver our 2017 general election campaign.
"Since 2018 I've worked tirelessly to help improve and diversify the skillset around our board table. To revitalise and reform the party and its systems and to unite our great Party after a very public period of instability and distraction.
"During my time, I've always had the best interests of the party at heart."
He said the party is going from strength to strength and now is the right time to step back.
"We have real momentum under the leadership of Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis. I'm confident we have the right people, processes and plans in place to move the National Party forward, and I have every confidence National will win the 2023 general election.
"As a proud member of the National Party for over 50 years and its longest-serving president, I will be forever grateful to our members for their ongoing support of me as a board member, and to our directors for their confidence in continuing to re-elect me as president. I look forward to continuing to support the new president, board of directors, parliamentary leaders and campaign team in my final term as a director."
