March 10, 2026

#politics: Reti to Step Away from Politics After More Than a Decade in Parliament

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 10, 2026

National MP and Cabinet Minister Dr Shane Reti has confirmed he will retire from politics at the 2026 General Election, bringing to a close more than a decade in Parliament representing the Northland electorate of Whangārei.

Dr Reti was first elected to Parliament in 2014, becoming the first Māori MP to win the Whangārei seat. Over four terms he has built a political career spanning health, science, and education portfolios while maintaining strong ties to the Northland region where he previously worked as a medical doctor.

Before entering politics, Dr Reti spent many years working as a general practitioner and dermatologist in Whangārei. His career also included governance roles in the health sector, including service on the Northland District Health Board, and recognition for public service with a Queen’s Service Medal.

During his time in government he has held several senior ministerial portfolios. Following the formation of the National-led coalition government in 2023, Dr Reti served as Minister of Health and Minister for Pacific Peoples. In a later Cabinet reshuffle he moved into the roles of Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Minister of Statistics and Minister for Universities.

His parliamentary career also included time in the National Party leadership team. In 2020 he was elected Deputy Leader of the National Party and briefly served as interim leader during a turbulent period for the party.

Across his time in Parliament Dr Reti has pointed to several achievements, including support for infrastructure development in Northland, improvements in health services such as expanded breast-screening programmes, and reforms aimed at strengthening New Zealand’s science and research sector.

His decision means the 2026 election will mark the end of a 12-year parliamentary career that began with his historic win in Whangārei and saw him rise to some of the most senior roles within both the National Party and government.

With his departure confirmed, attention will now turn to who National selects to contest the Whangārei electorate as the party prepares for what is expected to be a highly contested election year.