Transport minister Michael Wood remains in that role but also becomes minister for Auckland and associate finance minister with Grant Robertson remaining finance minister under a Cabinet reshuffle.
Prime minister Chris Hipkins says he rates Wood who moves up to seventh in the Cabinet rankings and that he has every confidence Wood can handle his extra roles.
“He can do the job very well. He’s a proud Aucklander. Michael says he wants to keep the portfolios he has.
“We’re giving Auckland the attention it needs which is going to be even more important following the events of recent days,” says Hipkins who intends returning to Auckland for the next three days.
That means Wood also keeps immigration and workplace relations and safety portfolios.
Kiri Allen becomes associate transport minister.
Dr Megan Woods also retains her energy and resources ministerial duties, along with infrastructure, housing, building and construction.
The new Cabinet will be focused on core bread and butter issues like the cost of living, education, health, housing and keeping communities and businesses safe, Hipkins adds.
“We need a greater focus on what’s in front of New Zealanders right now. The new Cabinet line-up strengthens that focus.
“In the reshuffle I have balanced the need for stability with renewal. New Zealanders want to see the Government getting on with the job but I also want to demonstrate the depth of our talent and bring some new energy and focus to the task ahead.
“Our top team of myself, Carmel Sepuloni, Kelvin Davis, Grant Robertson and Megan Woods will provide stability, experience, and proven leadership.”
Jan Tinetti is the new education minister, Dr Ayesha Verrall becomes the health minister and moves to the front bench, while Kieran McAnulty picks up the full local government portfolio.
“Joining Kieran in Cabinet are new ministers Ginny Andersen and Barbara Edmonds, the former becoming minister for the digital economy and communications, minister for small business, minister for seniors, associate minister of immigration and associate minister for Treaty of Waitangi negotiations.”
Barbara Edmonds becomes internal affairs minister, minister for Pacific peoples, associate health minister for Pacific peoples and associate housing minister.
“Over the coming days and weeks you will see us put words into action, with policies to support New Zealanders by reprioritising existing programmes to free up resources to help with the cost of living,” says Hipkins.
