Tributes for Katherine Rich poured in yesterday after National's education spokeswoman announced her shock decision to retire from politics at the next election.
Mrs Rich, a list MP, who lives in Dunedin and will have served three terms, is one of the National Party's star performers and was widely tipped for a senior ministerial portfolio were her party to form the next government.
Political opponents and trade unions combined with National Party leader John Key in paying tribute to Mrs Rich (40), who was seen as a moderate in areas of social welfare and education.
Her moderate stance on social welfare saw her sacked by former leader Don Brash after pressure was exerted by Auckland-based MPs.
Mrs Rich told the Otago Daily Times she had thought about the future for her children and her family during the summer break and decided it was time to move on to new challenges.
She believed National would form the next government and she would have been a cabinet minister. That would substantially change her life and the lives of her children, aged 5 and 6, and her husband Andy.
‘‘Being a minister is seven days a week, 15 hours a day. Having to balance that with the competing demands of my children, I realised I couldn't do it without ultimately impacting on their lives.''
Mrs Rich said she was proud of her achievements during the past nine years.
Asked to pick some highlights, Mrs Rich said exposing ‘‘dopey'' schemes like hip-hop dancing tours and sing-along courses were achievements she remembered with pride.
However, it was the constituency work she had carried out that made her the most proud.
‘‘It has been a privilege to work on behalf of people who had brought their problems to my door.''
Whether that was women who were handcuffed during childbirth, boys missing for three months before anyone looked for them, or immigration and work issues, they were very important.
‘‘People don't come to see an MP unless they have exhausted all other alternatives.''
Mr Key said he regretted losing such a talented member of caucus and denied Mrs Rich's departure was due to policy differences or a swing to the right on education policy.
‘‘I understand and accept Katherine's reasons for her decision and I wish her well for the future. ‘‘Katherine is a big loss. Given her talents, I hope that she will contribute in some way to public life in the future.''
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia said in a statement: ‘‘Katherine has shown tremendous ability and commitment in the areas of social policy and education, which are critical areas for our people, and it will be hard to fill her shoes.''
Her decision to retire reflected her ability to keep a sense of balance and proportion.
PPTA president Robin Duff said Mrs Rich would be a sad loss to the education sector.
She had brought a pragmatic and principled approach to the education portfolio and was committed to all young people, regardless of their background.
‘‘We were impressed with her willingness to fight the divisive bulk-funding policy, her commitment to rural schools and her support for programmes like the Itinerant Teachers of Music.''
Prime Minister Helen Clark also praised Mrs Rich. ‘‘Personally, I am sorry to see Katherine Rich leave politics. I think she has made a contribution to public debate over education,'' she said.
‘‘I have seen her as someone who is very much at the liberal end of the National Party. The National Party needs such people and I think she will be a tremendous loss.''
