Front bench refresh in Cabinet reshuffle

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has unveiled a shake-up to his Cabinet, refreshing the front bench.

Kieran McAnulty moves into Cabinet and picks up the full local government portfolio, taking over from Nanaia Mahuta. He will also be the deputy leader of the House.

Ginny Andersen, MP for Hutt South next to Hipkins’ Remutaka electorate, and Mana MP Barbara Edmonds – a former staffer for Grant Robertson – have also been moved to Cabinet. ‘‘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,’’ he said.

Andrew Little has lost the health portfolio but is moved to defence, with infectious disease physician Dr Ayesha Verrall elevated to health minister from an associate role. She is also moved to the front bench.

Michael Wood has moved up to number seven in the Cabinet ranking and becomes the newlycreated Minister for Auckland, and associate finance minister.

There was still a lot of work to get Auckland, now battered by devastating rain, ‘‘back on its feet’’ after the past couple of years, he said. ‘‘When Auckland succeeds the country succeeds, and I know the last few years have been tough for the city of sails.’’

Hipkins has confidence Wood, who also retains the significant immigration portfolio, would be able to focus on the new Auckland portfolio.

Jan Tinetti will be the education minister, moving to number six in the Cabinet. She now is an associate education minister. She will also take on responsibility for child poverty reduction. ‘‘As a former school principal and education expert new education minister is uniquely placed to address the post-Covid challenges our education system has faced and get

our kids back in the classroom and learning,’’ he said.

Willie Jackson moves up to number nine and gains a focus on Mā ori employment.

Stewart Nash picks up the police portfolio. Peeni Henare, who has lost defence, picks up ACC from Carmel Sepuloni, and tourism from Stewart Nash.

‘‘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.’’

Grant Robertson will remain minister of finance. Andersen will become the 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.

Edmonds will become the minister of internal affairs, minister for Pacific Peoples, associate health minister for Pacific Peoples and associate minister of housing.

The four new ministers outside of Cabinet are; Duncan Webb, WillowJean Prime, Rino Tirikatene, and Dr Deborah Russell.

‘‘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.’’ Chris Hipkins

Prime Minister