Stuart Nash says a private message he sent became a "significant distraction", leading to his resignation as an NZ First candidate.Nash was roundly condemned as sexist on Wednesday by MPs at Parliament for calling National's Napier MP lazy for taking nine months off work at full pay.In reality, Katie Nimon took six months away from Parliament after having a baby.Winston Peters took to social media late on Wednesday night to say Nash had resigned and it had been accepted.Earlier, the prime minister ruled out Nash from serving as a minister in a government he leads.Christopher Luxon also took to social media late on Wednesday night, following speculation of Nash's resignation.National Party leader Christopher Luxon (L) and NZ First candidate Stuart Nash (R).RNZ / Nate McKinnon and Dom Thomas"Whether reports of Stuart Nash's resignation as a NZ First candidate are true or not, I am making clear he will not serve as a minister in my government."On Thursday, Nash said he had withdrawn as a candidate after discussion with NZ First leadership."A private message I sent has become a significant distraction, and I don't want that distraction to cost NZ First or the people of Napier the campaign they deserve."As a husband and a father of four (including two strong, independent daughters) I have real respect for any working parent, and I regret that my words were open to an interpretation I never intended. I could have made my point far better."The point I was trying to make is a simple one: that Napier deserves an MP who fights hard for this region, in the electorate and in Wellington. That belief is undimmed, and I'll keep advocating for Hawke's Bay in other ways."I want to thank the NZ First team, and to wish the Rt Hon Winston Peters and every NZ First candidate the very best for the 2026 campaign. It has been an honour to stand alongside them."Earlier on Wednesday, Luxon had called the comments "sexist", and said Nash was channelling the "manosphere".Asked if he'd have Nash around the Cabinet table, he only encouraged people to party vote National to avoid "numpties" from other parties.Later that evening, Luxon said on social media, "Whether reports of Stuart Nash's resignation as a NZ First candidate are true or not, I am making clear he will not serve as a minister in my government."After several instances of poor behaviour, some politicians will claim he has changed."His lack of contrition after comments about one of my MPs' maternity leave this evening shows he hasn't."In response to the criticism of his comments, Nash said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon the campaign was about who "shows up and delivers" for Napier."I'm happy to be judged on my own track record, achievements and work ethic. That's the contest I want."I've got real respect for any working parent raising a newborn alongside a demanding job - that was never in question."Nash added that was why he was part of a government that supported the extending of paid parental leave - "The law change that the National Party voted against, twice."Attempts to contact New Zealand First party members directly have been unsuccessful.