National Party minister Nikki Kaye recalls: ‘One of the bravest parliamentarians’

Tributes are pouring in for former National Party minister Nikki Kaye, who has died after a long battle with cancer at the age of 44.

It is known that she died over the weekend. Was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at the age of 36.

Her former colleague Maggie Barry posted a photo of the pair on Facebook with the caption, “Goodbye my friend.”

Others also joined in to praise Kaye, National’s deputy leader under Todd Muller, for her “tireless dedication” to her job.

“Nikki’s contribution to our party, her community and New Zealand has left an indelible mark,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and National Party deputy leader Nicola Willis said in a joint statement.

“Nikki was an extraordinary person and a supporter of what she believed in, and her contributions made our country a better place.”

Willis said Kaye was one of the bravest parliamentarians New Zealand had ever seen.

“She was not only a colleague, but a great friend to many of us. Very committed to her voters and her values, she poured so much of her soul into this country and our party.

“Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” Willis said.

Meanwhile, Labor leader Chris Hipkins said today’s news was incredibly sad.

“Nikki Kaye and I were opposite numbers in Parliament when it came to education, and I would very fondly describe us as enemies,” Hipkins said.

“I really respected her and the way she approached her job.

“I didn’t agree with all of her decisions, but I found her to be extremely reasonable. She put her whole heart and soul into the electorate and always sought the welfare of children and young people.”

Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Kaye worked extremely hard, cared passionately about her electorate and was always willing to agree that an idea was good or bad given her values, not just politics .

“We had a lot of laughs over the years and although we had some decent debates, nothing ever felt really personal. I’m sorry I never knew Nikki was feeling sick again. If I had known that, I would have wanted to talk to her again.”

Others also posted on social media to pay tribute:

Kaye spoke openly about her health before leaving parliament.

She served in Parliament for 12 years, joining Parliament in 2008 (at the age of 28), before announcing in July 2020 that she would not stand in the upcoming elections.

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