When NZ First list MP Tanya Unkovich resigned from Parliament last month, she said she was leaving politics because she could make more of a difference in the private sector.
But do MPs have an obligation to the public to serve out their full terms? Should voters reasonably expect politicians to stay on until their three years are up before moving on?
Former MP and cabinet minister Peter Dunne thinks so. He says it shouldn’t be treated as just another job to add to the CV.
He speaks to Emile Donovan about why early resignations undermine our MMP system and what can be done to stop it.
Tanya Unkovich in select committee. Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
