Former Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will not stand for the electorate of Port Waikato at this year's election, instead, the National MP will move to the South Island and is considering whether or not to run for Parliament for another term.
Bayly said it had not been an easy decision.
“However, my wife and I love the South Island, which is where we intend to relocate later this year," Bayly, a keen mountaineer who had completed expeditions in Antarctica, Arctic and Everest, said.
Bayly said it was important that Port Waikato constituents were represented "by someone who is able to live locally and maintain a strong, day‑to‑day connection with the community.”
Bayly entered Parliament in 2014 by winning the seat of Hunua - now Port Waikato.
“I am grateful for the trust they have placed in me, and for the commitment, dedication and generosity shown by party members, volunteers and supporters throughout my 12 years in the role.”
He said he would "like to consider the option of continuing to serve as a Member of Parliament post the 2026 election and will be exploring the option of applying to be on the party list".
Bayly, who was the ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister outside of Cabinet, resigned as a minister early last year after touching the arm of a staffer during an animated discussion. It followed an incident months earlier in 2024 when Bayly came under scrutiny after he apologised to a winery worker, saying he was mortified an interaction had left the worker feeling insulted.
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