Departing National Party list MP Jackie Blue says it is unacceptable there aren't more women MPs in Parliament.
Jackie Blue. Photo: NATIONAL PARTY
Dr Blue came to Parliament in 2005 and is leaving to become the new Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner.
In a valedictory speech on Wednesay night, she said one of her most marvellous memories was from 2008 when she helped ensure that women could have access to the breast cancer drug Herceptin.
Dr Blue also said she feels Parliament doesn't truly represent New Zealand society.
She said if it did, there would be eight Pasifika MPs instead of the current five, and eight Asian MPs instead of the current three.
"And of course, Mr Speaker, we would have fifty percent women MPs. The fact is, we only have thirty-three percent women MPs.
"This is unacceptable in the 21st century - we can and we must do better."
Jackie Blue said she is tremendously excited about becoming the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner.