Labour minister Peeni Henare is committed to standing in the 2023 election.
The minister previously wouldn't say whether he would contest next year's election, but a statement on Wednesday afternoon confirmed he isn't planning on bowing out.
"Minister Henare is committed to standing in the 2023 elections and looks forward to going through the selection process to be Labour's Tamaki Makaurau candidate. In the meantime, he is focused on his portfolios."
Jacinda Ardern confirmed on Tuesday six MPs would retire at next year's election, including ministers Poto Williams, Aupito William Sio and David Clark.
Henare's name wasn't on the list of retirees, but on Wednesday, when repeatedly asked by media, he wouldn't commit to standing in 2023.
"You will just have to wait and see," Henare said twice.
"The election date hasn't even been set… I have already said, wait until the Prime Minister announces the election.
"You will just have to wait until next year."
The lack of an election date hasn't stopped many of Henare's colleagues from committing to standing at next year's election, including Kelvin Davis, Carmel Sepuloni, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson, Willie Jackson and Michael Wood.
Newsroom reported in May that Henare had indicated to then-Labour President Claire Szabó wanted to go list-only at the 2023 election. He's currently the Tamaki Makaura MP.
Ardern on Tuesday thanked the retiring MPs for their work.
"They have all made an important contribution to Government and the lives of New Zealanders,” Ardern said.
"These decisions come in the midst of Labour’s selection process for seats in the 2023 elections. MPs have made these decisions in good time to allow succession planning for both Cabinet and caucus.
"These retirements will have no immediate impact on Cabinet with a reshuffle not scheduled until early next year."
