MPs from across the political spectrum are paying tribute to their outgoing colleague Louisa Wall, who resigned from Parliament on Tuesday.
"Very sad to see Louisa Wall MP announce her resignation from Parliament. Louisa achieved more as an MP than almost all ministers from the party she is a member of," National's Chris Bishop said of Labour MP Wall.
"I admire her spirit, her enthusiasm and her passion. I will miss her and I think the Parliament will too."
National Party mental health spokesperson and Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey also paid tribute to Wall.
"Sad to hear the news today that my parliamentary colleague Louisa Wall is to retire from politics," he said. "Louisa and I have worked constructively together across the political divide to establish Parliament’s first cross-party mental health group to champion solutions longer than the three-year parliamentary cycle.
"I have huge respect for Louisa who was always focused on what was the right thing to do for Kiwis not just what was right for her career.
"Louisa would be one of the most talented MPs that I have worked with that didn't become a minister."
Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi shared a similar view.
"Louisa Wall resigns after 14 years in Parliament and will be a great loss to Labour," he said. "Ngā mihi nui ki a koe e te tuahine, thank you for your service."
Rainbow Greens, the LGBTQIA+ wing of the Green Party, also acknowledged Wall's resignation. During her time in Parliament, Wall championed and won marriage equality for same-sex couples in 2013.
"We thank her for her advocacy for LGBTQIA+ ppl," Rainbow Greens said on Twitter.
Former NZ First MP Jenny Marcroft also recognised Wall's work on the cross-party mental health group.
"All the best Louisa Wall, it was an honour and pleasure to work with you in the last Parliament.
"Our first report titled Zero Suicide Aotearoa from the cross-party mental health group was a testament to your dedication to kaupapa that mattered to you," said Marcroft, who was also a member of the mental health group.
Meanwhile the Labour Party said in a statement she left behind "an amazing legacy of meaningful change".
"We wish Louisa all the very best with her next steps as she continues to advocate for justice, human rights and equality."
'Tinged with some sadness'
In a statement, Wall linked her resignation to "events during the 2020 election".
Ahead of Election 2020, Wall gave up trying to defend her Manurewa electorate seat - after a legal battle over who was allowed to stand for the party's nomination.
"Leaving Parliament is always tinged with some sadness but I do so still passionate about serving New Zealanders," Wall said on Tuesday.
"While I'm resigning from Parliament at this time, I'll continue to be involved in the issues I am passionate about; particularly indigenous rights, human rights, equality and the rights of women and the LGBTQI+ community."
