Stuart Nash resigns after ‘sexist’ text

Stuart Nash, a former Labour minister and current candidate for New Zealand First, has resigned from his position following controversy over a text message deemed sexist and inappropriate. The incident unfolded after Nash sent a late-night message to former National MP Chris Finlayson criticizing Napier MP Katie Nimon for taking extended time off from parliamentary duties to care for her newborn child. The message, which included disparaging remarks about Nimon's parenting choices, sparked immediate backlash across the political spectrum and led to Nash's abrupt exit from the race. The controversy began when Finlayson discussed Nimon on his podcast Cross Party Lines, praising her decision to take time off to have her first child. Shortly thereafter, Nash reportedly sent Finlayson a message expressing frustration with Nimon's absence from Parliament. In the message, Nash described Nimon as the "laziest MP" he had ever encountered, suggesting she had taken nine months off on full pay, returned briefly, and then taken additional time off. His comments drew sharp criticism from multiple quarters, including leaders of opposing parties and fellow politicians. Reactions to Nash's remarks were swift and largely negative. Christopher Luxon, leader of the National Party, condemned the comments as sexist and accused Nash of channelling the manosphere. Nicola Willis expressed outrage, referencing Nash's previous controversial definition of a woman on a radio show. Other notable figures, such as Chris Bishop, called Nash a "sexist dickhead." Even within his own party, Labour leader Chris Hipkins reiterated his decision to remove Nash from Cabinet in 2023 due to his lack of judgment and temperament. Nash's response to the allegations further complicated matters. Rather than offering an apology, he criticized National for its stance on paid parental leave. This approach did little to quell the backlash, and several prominent individuals, including three men named Chris, voiced their disapproval before Nash addressed the issue directly. His eventual statement acknowledged the potential misinterpretation of his comments but stopped short of a formal apology to Nimon. Nash's recent troubles are part of a broader pattern of controversies throughout his political career. In September 2025, he faced significant scrutiny after defining a woman on The Platform as "a person with a pussy and a pair of tits." The remark, which was widely criticized, prompted Nash to issue a detailed apology on LinkedIn following a discussion with his wife, Sarah. At the time, Winston Peters acknowledged that the language used was unacceptable. Despite these past incidents, Nash continued to hold political office until recently. His resignation comes amid ongoing debates about his suitability for public service. Winston Peters, who was overseas at the time, accepted Nash's resignation as a candidate for New Zealand First. The situation highlights the challenges Nash faces in maintaining credibility and respect within the political arena. Nimon, who is currently serving as the MP for Napier, clarified that her absence from Parliament was shorter than Nash suggested. She stated that she was away from work for approximately 10 weeks, emphasizing that she remained engaged in her role as a local MP while caring for her newborn. Her clarification underscores the discrepancy in Nash's understanding of her circumstances, which contributed to the controversy surrounding his remarks. The fallout from Nash's comments continues to ripple through New Zealand politics, with implications for both his personal reputation and the broader discourse around gender equality and workplace policies. As the situation develops, attention will likely focus on how this incident affects the dynamics within New Zealand First and the wider political landscape.