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The 49th Parliament passed 293 Government bills, the Acting Leader of the House, Simon Power, said today.

Parliament rose last night for the general election on November 26, and will be dissolved on October 20.

Some 293 Government bills received the Royal assent, and as of today 18 further bills are awaiting assent. The Governor-General will consider those 18 in the coming weeks. Also receiving the Royal assent during the 49th Parliament were two members' bills, two local bills, and five private bills.

Mr Speaker,

I have been surprised by some of the reaction I have had to my decision to retire. All sorts of motivations have been ascribed to my decision.

One of my cabinet colleagues – who is always concerned about how these sorts of things look for the Government – was keen to spread the rumour that the real reason could be traced to the existence of a series of incriminating photographs.

I was alarmed at the speed at which Murray McCully was able to invent such a scenario.

The Acting Leader of the House, Simon Power, advises that Parliament’s Business Committee has agreed to the following schedule for MPs’ retiring from Parliament to present their valedictory statements.

Tuesday 27 September
5:45pm Sue Kedgley

Wednesday 28 September
5:30pm Hon. Mita Ririnui
5:45pm Keith Locke

Thursday 29 September
5:00pm Dr Ashraf Choudhary
5:15pm Hon. Heather Roy
5:30pm Hon. Sir Roger Douglas
5:45pm Hon. George Hawkins

Simon Power, the MP for Rangitikei and the fourth-ranked Minister in John Key's National-led Government, is to retire from politics at the election in November.

Mr Power said he was looking forward to continuing to contribute to New Zealand's growth, but in the private sector.

"It's time for new challenges and new opportunities.

“I've been extremely privileged to serve in the Cabinet under Prime Minister John Key, and as the Member for Rangitikei since 1999.