A flagbearer for one of the country’s largest electorates who turned West Coast-Tasman blue on her fourth attempt is preparing to bow out of politics.
Incumbent MP for West Coast-Tasman, Maureen Pugh, has announced she will retire from Parliament at the general election on 7 November.
The National politician, who won the West Coast-Tasman seat off long-term holder Damien O’Connor in 2023, says being a “fierce advocate” for the electorate and its people in the halls of power had been “such a privilege”.
But after 28 years of public service, she says the time has come to “rest a little” from pressures of the political sphere, and spend more time with loved ones, and tend to her garden at the family’s farm at Kumara.
“I took my time thinking about it and confided in a few close friends, and in the end found it was the lesson I learned from my family - life is very precious and the public has had much of my life for many years,” Maureen reflects.
“Thinking about my daughter, husband and father was a huge part of my decision.”
Maureen lost these three family members during the last few years.
“Their lives were lived to the full and with no regrets. It’s important to me to reconnect and spend quality time with my family and friends, and enjoy them.”
Maureen first joined the central government fray in 2014, unsuccessfully contesting the West Coast-Tasman seat after serving nine years as Westland mayor, the first female to hold the role.
She again fell short to represent the electorate three years later, and after the 2014 and 2017 election results, she gave herself the nickname “yo-yo MP” due to special votes toing and froing her from Parliament.
Maureen entered Parliament in 2016 following Tim Groser’s resignation, returned in 2018 after former Prime Minister Sir Bill English stepped down, and despite a third loss in the race for West Coast-Tasman in 2020, re‑entered again via the party list.
Since winning West Coast-Tasman in 2023, Maureen has also sat in the debating chamber’s comfy sheepskin seat as Assistant Speaker.
She says she is proud of her role as a “conduit and supporter” for local issues and wants to leave behind a strong foundation of positive relationships within Tasman.
“In tough times it has been a privilege to ensure help gets to the right people at the right time,” she says.
“Issues relating to health challenges, immigration, and bureaucracy barriers all come to mind. Getting positive feedback weeks or months later, once things are resolved, is hugely rewarding.
“There are key projects that I have continued to lobby for such as the Queen Street intersection and a replacement Motueka Bridge, and, of course, the Great Taste Trail.”
Maureen’s final term will include familiarising her successor with the details needed to represent an electorate, before stepping back to give them “clear air” to campaign.
“Over the years I have spoken with a few people, but my vacancy will be publicly advertised and the decision is up to individuals,” she says.
“There is a rigorous and public process to find the next candidate and I will be there to support them.”
“My hope is that whoever follows in my footsteps will continue to cherish [the electorate’s] uniqueness, unspoilt beauty and special character.”
The new candidate will be announced by the National Party in due course.
