National MP Chris Finlayson has confirmed he will leave Parliament in the New Year.

“It’s been a real privilege to serve as a Member of Parliament since 2005, nine of them as a Cabinet Minister. I have greatly enjoyed my time here, and I am very grateful for the opportunities that I have had.

“I was honoured to serve as Attorney-General, Treaty Negotiations Minister, and Arts and Culture Minister during the last National Government under the leadership of Sir John Key and Sir Bill English.

“Highlights of my time as a Minister include progressing the Tūhoe settlement, reforming intelligence legislation, and representing New Zealand at the International Court of Justice.

“It’s with pride that the National Party in its nine years of Government settled over sixty treaty claims.

“I was pleased to establish the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in time for the 100th commemoration of the start of the First World War. Pukeahu provides the setting for remembrance and reflection on our nation’s history of military sacrifice going forward.

“As I have indicated on a number of occasions over the past few weeks, I plan to re-join the Bar after leaving Parliament.”

Mr Finlayson will give his Valedictory on 18 December, with his final day in Parliament in January 2019, after a few remaining pieces of work in select committees have been progressed.

© Scoop Media