A former New Zealand National Party Minister has died aged 44.
Former Auckland Central MP and former National Party deputy leader Nikki Kaye died after a lengthy battle with breast cancer, it was announced on Monday.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said she was ‘deeply saddened’ by the news in a social media post.
‘Nikki was someone I got to know fairly well over the years that we ran against each other in Auckland Central,’ Ms Arden wrote.
‘We may have been opponents, but there were so many things I admired about Nikki.
‘She worked incredibly hard, cared passionately about her electorate, and she was always willing to agree an idea was good, or bad, based on her values rather than just politics. We laughed a lot over the years, and while we may have had some decent debates, nothing ever felt genuinely personal.
‘I’m sorry that I never knew Nikki was unwell again, if I had, I’d liked to have talked with her just one more time.
‘Rest in peace, Nikki. Politics was better for having you in it.’
Ms Kaye left politics in 2020, four year after her breast cancer diagnosis and double mastectomy.
The 44-year-old was elected to parliament in 2008 as the Auckland Central MP – which she held till late 2020 – and was deputy National party leader under former leader Todd Muller that same year.
Ms Kaye also held numerous ministerial roles including Education, Accident Compensation Corporation and Civil Defence portfolios.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Ms Kaye, describing her as a ‘remarkable person and crusader’ who left an indelible mark on politics.
‘Nikki Kaye’s contribution to our party, her community, and New Zealand has left an indelible mark,’ Mr Luxon said.
‘Her tireless dedication, sharp intellect, and tenacity earned her the respect of people across the political spectrum.
‘She was a remarkable person and a crusader for what she believed in, and her contribution has left our country in a better place. May she rest in peace.’
Deputy National Leader Nicola Willis described Ms Kaye as one of the ‘bravest parliamentarians’ New Zealand has ever had.
‘Nikki was one of the bravest parliamentarians New Zealand has had, fiercely advancing the liberal values and causes she believed in,’ Ms Willis said.
‘She loved the National Party and contributed so much of her soul to it.
‘I will be forever grateful for the contribution she made to my own career and personal development.’
She added said Ms Kaye remained fearless throughout her battle with cancer.
‘Nikki lived vibrantly and well. Her impact on others was immense and the memories great,’ Ms Willis said.
‘We’ve lost one of the special ones. Let us be grateful for her incredible life.’
Ms Kaye was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 after she found one of several lumps in her breast.
At the age of 36 she tried to resign from politics, but was denied by then-prime minister John Key who shifted her portfolios to colleagues while she was on leave.
In her final speech to parliament, Ms Kaye said the toughest moments of her personal life had made her become a better member of parliament.
‘Why is it that through the toughest moments of our lives we learn the most, we feel the most, we have the greatest power to contribute and experience beauty,’ Ms Kaye said.
‘The lesson is: character and courage emerge out of trauma and hardship. The question for any generation of political leaders is: have we had the courage and character to step up and solve the hard economic and social issues of our time?
‘I hope that I’ve done my bit to step up. I hope that I stepped up as the member of Parliament for Auckland Central and as a Cabinet Minister.’