Stuart Nash Resigns as NZ First Candidate Over Sexist Remarks

Former Labour MP Stuart Nash resigned as a New Zealand First candidate for the Napier seat following a backlash over sexist remarks directed at National Party MP Katie Nimon. The controversy began after a private message was revealed in which Nash called Nimon the "laziest MP" he had ever encountered, claiming she took nine months of full pay for maternity leave. Nimon clarified she had taken six months away from Parliament and 10 weeks away from work.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon condemned the comments and stated that Nash would be barred from serving as a minister in any government he leads, citing a lack of contrition and a history of poor behavior. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters accepted Nash's resignation, and party minister Shane Jones described the move as a "sensible outcome" to avoid campaign distractions. The party subsequently appointed Napier City councillor Te Kira Lawrence as the replacement candidate.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins described the remarks as "sexist and wrong." He used the incident to criticize the judgment of both Luxon and Peters for previously considering Nash for a ministerial role. Nash apologized, stating his words were open to an interpretation he never intended and that he did not want to be a distraction to the people of Napier.