Kaye to stand again

The Herald reports:

National MP Nikki Kaye has returned to Parliament for the first time since she was diagnosed with breast cancer to participate in her party’s leadership contest.

“I’m back, briefly,” she told reporters. “I want to be here to participate in the process.

“I’m still getting some treatment but my plan is to be back early next year to resume full duties.” …

Kaye also confirmed she would stand again in Auckland Central in next year’s election. She has held the seat since 2008 and reclaimed it in 2014 with the smallest winning margin in the country – 600 votes.

The 36 year-old National MP stood down from her ministerial portfolios in September to get treatment for breast cancer.

She spoke today about the support Prime Minister John Key had given her during her leave from Parliament.

Holding back tears, she said Key had given her “every bit of support”.

“I don’t want to cry, but he has been an incredible rock during this period.

“So has the Deputy Prime Minister and the caucus.

“To all of those people who get cancer, and particularly breast cancer sufferers out there, I just want to acknowledge the courage that they have and to say that I could not have more support from my caucus during that period.”

Kaye also thanked media for giving her the space to recover.

Nikki is one of my closest friends, so obviously I am very pleased that her treatment has progressed to a point where she can return to work. The diagnosis came as such a shock, but Nikki has approached this particular battle with the same determination she brings to everything else in life.