Nikki Kaye death: Much-loved former New Zealand MP dies at 44 after cancer battle

Nikki Kaye, a former deputy leader of the New Zealand National party, is being remembered as an “effervescent, passionate and committed person who genuinely cared” after dying aged 44.

The Auckland Central MP took leave from her cabinet post during John Key and Bill English’s government in 2016 after a cancer diagnosis.

Returning to her education ministry, Ms Kaye was senior figure and moderate in the centre-right party during opposition but opted to leave politics in 2020 saying “cancer has taught me that life can change in a moment”.

She died on the weekend, according to reports in the NZ media, with tributes swiftly coming from prime ministers past and present.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon said she left an “indelible mark” during her in 12 years in politics.

“Her tireless dedication, sharp intellect, and tenacity earned her the respect of people across the political spectrum,” he said.

“She was a remarkable person and a crusader for what she believed in, and her contribution has left our country in a better place.”

Jacinda Ardern, who ran against Ms Kaye for her electorate seat twice, losing both times, said “there were so many things I admired about Nikki”.

“She worked incredibly hard, cared passionately about her electorate, and she was always willing to agree an idea was good, or bad, based on her values rather than just politics.

“We laughed a lot over the years, and while we may have had some decent debates, nothing ever felt genuinely personal.”

Another former prime minister Helen Clark wrote “Nikki was able to work across party lines and was respected for her intelligence & abilities”.

Former United Future leader Peter Dunne called Ms Kaye “an effervescent, passionate and committed person who genuinely cared, with a ferocious work capacity, who brought those qualities to everything she did”.