 In late 1977, after witnessing the Moyle Affair and generally depreciating state of politics under Muldoon, Watt put himself forward as a nominee for Onehunga once again stating that he felt that a man of his experience could guide MPs in conduct.He later withdrew his nomination.Watt died on 4 February 1980 in Auckland's Greenlane Hospital after a long illness, aged 67 years.