stated that there were major flaws in the Department of Labour, and recommended "sweeping changes" into the department. In a statement, Prime Minister John Key said, "Ms Wilkinson's decision to resign is a personal decision in response to the magnitude of the tragedy. It is the honourable thing to do. I considered it proper for me to accept her resignation from the Labour portfolio." She retained her other portfolios and was succeeded in the Labour portfolio by Chris Finlayson. Wilkinson however was not asked to step down from her other portfolios in Conservation, Food Safety, and Associate Immigration. She was removed from cabinet in the reshuffle of January 2013. On 31 January 2013 Wilkinson was granted the right to retain the title of The Honourable for life in recognition of her term as a Member of the Executive Council of New Zealand. Retirement from politics Wilkinson announced in November 2013 that she would retire at the end of the term of the 50th Parliament. Matt Doocey, who contested the 2013 Christchurch East by-election, was selected by the National Party to replace Wilkinson, and retained the seat with an increased majority at the 2014 election. Post-political career After retiring from politics, Wilkinson lived on her family farm at Swannanoa in Canterbury. She was appointed Commissioner of the Environment Court in May 2015. References External links Kate Wilkinson MP official site (archived) Profile at National party (archived) |- |- |- 1957 births Living people New Zealand women lawyers New Zealand National Party MPs Women members of the New Zealand House of Representatives University of Canterbury alumni New Zealand list MPs Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives New Zealand MPs for Christchurch electorates 21st-century New Zealand politicians 21st-century New Zealand women politicians 20th-century New Zealand lawyers