As she prepared to move to the East Coast region, Mrs Luxton said she found herself reflecting on her political journey with Labour, which began when she joined the Ashburton Labour branch in 2013.
She entered Parliament on the Labour Party List in 2017, and won the Rangitata seat in the 2020 election.
Three years later, she lost the seat to National’s James Meager.
Mrs Luxton said it had been a true privilege to represent the electorate in Parliament.
"This has been the greatest honour of my career so far, and I am deeply grateful for those who have trusted and supported me over the years.
"Together we delivered significant funding for our region.
"Over $20million for the stunning Ashburton library and civic centre, $11.6m for Timaru’s Theatre Royal, $2m for the Ashburton Rail Hub, $500,000 for Fraser Park, $5m funding for Timaru Hospital, significant investments in local businesses through the GIDI fund, and more."
Mrs Luxton said it was likely she would always have family roots in Rangitata, but the time had come to return to Gisborne.
She spent all her schooling years in Gisborne after moving from Whakatāne as a young girl.
"Gizzy has always held a special place in my heart, as do most places we grow up in, and now that my kids have grown up and moved out of home, it’s the right time for me to make the move too.
"While this is a farewell for now, it’s also the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
She would always carry the lessons and memories from Rangitata with her, she said.
"The friendships I’ve made, the stories I’ve heard, and the progress we’ve achieved together will continue to inspire and guide me.
"Though I no longer represent the region in Parliament, I will always remain a part of this community, and I’ll continue to cheer for your success.
"It has been a privilege to serve you, and I look forward to watching Rangitata thrive in the future."
— APL
