Labour's Grant Robertson is retiring from Parliament next month and will become Otago University's Vice-Chancellor in July. 

The 15-year MP was Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in the Labour Government. 

He says the time is right for new challenges.  

Political Commentator Brigitte Morten told Mike Hosking that the writing was on the wall when he decided not to run in Wellington Central again. 

She said that making room for the new guard is a painful transition, but it's the right thing to do. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• The Huddle: How will we remember Grant Robertson's political legacy?
• Barry Soper: The figures say plenty about Robertson's political legacy
• 'He's got an amazing opportunity': Labour's Chris Hipkins on Robertson's departure from politics