‘Pure joy’ for latest Auckland ministers
New Zealand’s first Tongan-born Cabinet minister is honoured to be serving in Government.
Manukau East MP Jenny Salesa was appointed Minister of Building and Construction, and Ethnic Communities in the new Labour-led Government.
She will also hold associate roles in the housing, health, and education portfolios, something she said was a huge responsibility.
‘‘I am excited to play a role in building a better New Zealand in which all New Zealanders will thrive,’’ Salesa said.
She joins four other South Auckland Labour MPs named as ministers – Nanaia Mahuta, Peeni Henare, Willie Jackson, and Aupito William Sio.
Salesa is a second-term MP. She has been the Labour spokesperson for skills and training, and associate spokesperson for education, health, and employment.
She was on her way to Wellington when she heard the news of the Labour-NZ First coalition deal.
‘‘There was a real feeling of excitement and euphoria.’’
It was a privilege to be in a position to make a difference for her community and she looked forward to being able to implement policies in Government, Salesa said.
‘‘When you look at how South Auckland voted and in Manukau East the majority of people voted for Labour. I expect they’ll all be very happy at who is in Government.’’
Sio will be the Minister of Pacific Peoples outside of Cabinet, alongside Jackson, who takes on the role of Minister for Employment, and Henare who will be the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, for Wha¯ nau Ora and for Youth.
Sio said he was ecstatic to hear Winston Peters’ decision and he expected the new Government to bring a lot of benefits for South Aucklanders.
‘‘It’s been pure joy to be in Government after the decision by NZ First. Our communities deserve a government that will give them hope and help lighten their burden.
‘‘And I think this new Labour government will be able to deliver it for South Auckland,’’ the Ma¯ ngere electorate MP said.
‘‘Many in our communities have been doing it tough in the last nine years, and we’ve seen homelessness grow, families struggling to pay their daily bills, and our young people losing opportunities for education, jobs and further training.’’
Manurewa electorate MP Louisa Wall, whose role within the new Government is yet to be confirmed, said it was an honour to be elected for a third term. She said she was thankful to the people who helped to create the opportunity for the Labour Party to be in government with NZ First and the Green Party.
‘‘We’re now in a better position to help meet our communities’ needs, including resolving issues such as homelessness, increased health and social service support, and removing barriers so our children and families can fully realise educational opportunities.’’