candidate, standing as a list MP and allowing Luamanuvao Winnie Laban to contest Mana. On 29 July 2003, however, he left Parliament in order to take up a position as High Commissioner to Canada. His list seat was taken by the next candidate on Labour's 2002 party list, Moana Mackey. High Commissioner to Canada In 2005, Kelly made remarks to a Canadian governmental panel which were regarded by some in New Zealand as offensive to Māori and various immigrant communities. Calls were made for his resignation, and the government criticised Kelly for his comments, for which he apologised. Later career Kelly is currently the president of the Association of Former Members of Parliament. Honours In the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours, Kelly was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for public services. References |- New Zealand Labour Party MPs Living people New Zealand list MPs High Commissioners of New Zealand to Canada 1941 births Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives 21st-century New Zealand politicians Companions of the Queen's Service Order