In the past few terms, I've been proud to have had the opportunity to be elected to the House of Representatives, providing a voice for the hard-working men and women of New Zealand.

As an MP and Minister, I've been proud to have produced bills which aim to make our country a fairer place to live, and provide more opportunities for all Kiwis. I include in this, my Public Housing (Rent to Own) Bill, and the Government Agencies Pay Transparency Act.

When I joined the New Zealand Political Reform League, under the leadership of -alpine, I was exciting to be a part of a new political movement, aimed at advancing the middle ground of the political spectrum. I remain grateful to the Reform party for giving me the opportunity to re-enter Parliament, initially as a list MP, before successfully contesting the Whanganui by-election.

I am also proud to have been selected as the Deputy Leader of the party. In this position I have been able to champion policies to make New Zealand a fairer, stronger, and more progressive nation. I include in this our policy to allow Kiwis the chance to decide whether we should leave our imperial roots behind and become a proud and independent republic, our plan to implement a 10c container deposit program to help clean up and protect our environment, as well as our policy to allow full-time students access to free public transport. These are all initiatives which I have been proud to bring to the table, and along with our party leader Winston_Wilhelmus, made official party policy.

However I know feel the time is right to reevaluate my position and the direction in which I feel the country is headed. Due to a combination of personal reasons and what I feel is growing ideological differences, I have decided that I will not re-contest the next election.

I am also announcing today my resignation as Deputy Leader of the New Zealand Political Reform League effective immediately. I would like to thank -alpine and Winston_Wilhelmus for the support they have offered throughout my time with Reform. I believe it is now time for somebody else to take my position in the party leadership as we move closer into the campaigning period for the next election.

I will take the time during the next term of parliament to spend more time with my family in Whanganui, and assess where I believe my future lays.

Thank you,
dyljam
Member for Whanganui