Maharey announces he will not stand in 2008 election

Steve Maharey, MP for Palmerston North, said today that he had advised the Prime
Minister that he will not be standing in the 2008 election.

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Steve Maharey, MP for Palmerston North, said today that he had advised the Prime
Minister that he will not be standing in the 2008 election.

Steve Maharey said that he will continue in his current Ministerial roles for now
but expects to relinquish them at the time the Prime Minister reshuffles the
Cabinet.

Steve Maharey said that his decision to leave politics would allow him to pursue
other interests later next year.

"My six terms in politics, three in a variety of Ministerial roles, have been a
privilege. I want to thank my family and friends, my staff, the Labour Party, the
people of Palmerston North, the staff of the many Ministries I have worked with, and
my Parliamentary colleagues for their support through both good and challenging
times."