NZ First list MP Tanya Unkovich will resign her seat in Parliament to focus on her work in the private sector.
Unkovich entered Parliament as a new MP following the general election in 2023.
According to her biography on the NZ First website, before entering politics she was self-employed and worked as a public speaker, having published several books as an international life and business coach.
It’s believed the MP’s departure comes in part as a result of her coaching and consultancy work with a view to heading back to the private sector. 1News revealed the surprise announcement this morning.
She caused controversy early in her term after being linked to an anti-Covid vaccine channel, and has faced attacks after introducing NZ First’s “Fair Access to Bathrooms Bill”. The law would, if it had become law, required separate, unisex and single sex bathrooms. She later dropped that bill, introducing a bill to improve access to palliative care.
In a statement, Unkovich said she had made the decision to resign after “careful consideration”.
“Serving in the public sector has been a great honour and a unique opportunity, for this I am grateful for the trust placed into me.
“I do believe, however, I can personally be of more service to New Zealanders through various avenues in the private sector, as well as coaching and consultancy.”
She said it had always been her “deepest desire to serve mankind” and that she had been privileged to be a voice to many in the community.
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the New Zealand First caucus, party members, and in particular the Rt Hon Winston Peters for his strong leadership and commitment towards a greater New Zealand.”
Peters posted to X to say it was “sad to see Tanya decide to leave Parliament” but he supported her decision to move back to the private sector.
“Tanya has been a great asset to our party and to parliament with her unique voice, strength, and passion for helping New Zealanders and representing the values, ethos, and principles of our party.
“We all wish her the very best for the future.”
In a post on her Instagram page today Unkovich said she had intended to travel to the US this Sunday to take part in a podcast with her publisher, however, due to “situations worldwide” the decision was made to delay the trip.
Unkovich is promoting the republishing of her book Grief to Greatness which aims to help readers rediscover joy after loss, grief and hardship.
The MP has spoken publicly about her own struggles with eating issues and body dysmorphia when she was young, as well as the grief of losing her first husband to cancer at the age of 40.
Replacement aims to be ‘good parliamentarian’
Replacing Unkovich in the NZ First list will be David Wilson, a former chief executive from Whangārei who’s worked in various roles across economic and regional development.
Speaking exclusively to 1News Wilson said he was preparing to make his way to the capital over the coming weeks to “learn the rules” of Parliament.
“I want to be a good parliamentarian that works for the party’s values and policies and put my head down and use what skills and experience I have to that end,” Wilson said.
Wilson has stood as a candidate for NZ First in the past three general elections.
Now with Unkovich moving on the soon-to-be MP is excited for what’s ahead.
“I’ll have my head down over the next couple of weeks looking at all of the policies we’re covering and getting an understanding of what’s in front of us,” he said.
He said Unkovich was leaving for “legitimate” reasons and wished her well.
“Tanya is a lovely, lovely person,” he said.
“You know what it’s like being a parliamentarian, it’s not easy, and of course she has a very strong private career and so I wish her well.”
