ACT Party Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden has announced she will not seek re‑election at this year’s general election, saying she plans to explore opportunities in the private sector while completing her current term. Van Velden, the MP for Tāmaki and Minister of Internal Affairs and for Workplace Relations and Safety, confirmed she will continue to serve constituents and fulfil her ministerial duties until the election in November.
“At the election this year, I will have spent nine years in public service; first working with David Seymour to help secure the passage of the End of Life Choice Act through Parliament, six years as Deputy Leader and Member of Parliament for ACT, and three years as a Government minister and electorate MP for Tāmaki. I have never wanted to be a career politician, and while I believe there are so many more years I could serve my community, I wish to explore the private sector too.”
Van Velden said the timing of her announcement is intended to give ACT time to select and prepare a new candidate for Tāmaki. Expressions of interest are open now, with the party planning a selection meeting in late April and a formal leadership change at the ACT AGM on 21 June, when a new deputy leader will be appointed on the caucus’s recommendation.
ACT leader David Seymour paid tribute to Van Velden’s record, describing her departure as “bitter sweet” and praising her role in building the modern ACT Party. Seymour highlighted her legislative and policy achievements, from campaigning on end‑of‑life choice to recent workplace and employment law reforms, and said the caucus wished her well for her next chapter.
Van Velden confirmed she will remain active in the election campaign, supporting the party’s candidate in Tāmaki and nationwide party‑vote efforts. The MP also reassured constituents there will be no by‑election, and that her electorate office will continue to assist local residents until Parliament dissolves.
The party’s move to open nominations early reflects a strategic push to retain Tāmaki and maintain momentum in the general election. With Van Velden staying on through the campaign period, ACT aims to present a smooth transition and a united front as it seeks to hold the seat and expand its parliamentary presence.