MP Peeni Henare leaving Parliament in coming weeks

Tuesday, 3 February 2026

Labour MP Peeni Henare is leaving Parliament in the coming weeks.

He announced he is not seeking the Labour Party candidacy for Tāmaki Makaurau and will not be going on the Labour list.

Henare was first elected in 2014 for Tāmaki Makaurau, holding the seat to 2023. He is currently a list MP.

“I have thought long and hard about this over the summer and decided not to seek the nomination for Tāmaki Makaurau again or a place on the Labour Party list.

“Last year was tough after losing the by-election and after careful consideration and kōrero with my whānau over the break, I have decided that it is time for me to take a step back from politics.”

Henare was previously minister of defence, Whānau Ora and ACC under the last Labour government.

“It has been an honour to be a Labour MP and serve as a Minister for six years, I’m proud of our record in Government and I know the next Labour Government will continue the hard mahi,” he said.

Former Canterbury MP Dan Rosewarne will replace Henare.

Rosewarne was previously a list MP for 15 months, from July 2022, when he replaced former minister Kris Faafoi.

Rosewarne told The Press the news came as a surprise. 'I am very humbled and honoured to have the opportunity', he said.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins was asked repeatedly about Henare’s future at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon but refused to comment “ahead of the embargo”.