Former National MP Nikki Kaye has died aged of 44, after a long battle with breast cancer.

Her former colleague, Maggie Barry, posted on Facebook a picture of the pair with the caption “farewell my friend”

Judith Collins wrote a message on X “I am so sorry to hear this. Far too young and far too early. RIP Nikki.”

Former National Party Leader Todd Muller wrote “A beautiful soul with a deeply caring heart fuelled by a ferocious energy to serve her party, community and country often at the expense of her own health. I will miss her dearly. Rest in peace Nikki”

Kaye’s political career began with her involvement in the National Party in 1998.

She worked as a policy researcher for Bill English in 2002 and later contested the Auckland Central electorate.

In 2008, she made history by becoming the first National Party member to win the Auckland Central seat, a position she held until 2020.

Throughout her tenure, Kaye held several significant ministerial roles, including Minister of Education, Minister for Youth, Minister for ACC, and Minister of Civil Defence.

In 2016, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which led her to take a brief hiatus from politics. She returned to her duties in early 2017.

In May 2020, Kaye was appointed Deputy Leader of the National Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

However, she stepped down from these roles in July 2020 and announced her retirement from politics, citing a desire to pursue new opportunities and personal well-being.