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Senior New Zealand minister announces intention to step down

Xinhua, October 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

New Zealand Education Minister Hekia Parata announced Wednesday that she will be retiring from parliamentary politics at next year's general election.

Parata, who is ranked 10th in the Cabinet, said she had informed Prime Minister John Key of her decision earlier this year.

"I have no plans beyond serving as Education Minister as long as the Prime Minister wishes me to. There are still a number of deliverables in the education work plan in the meantime and my focus and energy will be unwavering," Parata said in a statement.

"It is an honour to work each day in this portfolio - it's true that it involves a number of difficult decisions, but I have been committed to making the right decision for our children and young people."

Parata's term as education minister has been beset by controversy, with a backdown on plans to raise class sizes, and fiercely debated school closures and school funding issues.

Parata was elected to Parliament in 2008 and has served as the minister of education since 2011.

She has previously held the portfolios of minister of pacific island affairs, minister of energy and resources, minister for women, minister of ethnic affairs, and minister for community and voluntary sector. Endit