Jan Tinetti Takes on Education Challenges
Tinetti, a former principal, takes over the education portfolio from Hipkins and moves up to number six. Hipkins says Tinetti is well-positioned to handle post-COVID education issues.
Michael Wood Appointed Minister for Auckland
Wood moves from 15th to seventh and will become Minister for Auckland.
Ayesha Verrall Named Health Minister
Verrall moves from 18th to 8th and will serve as Health Minister. Hipkins says Verrall, an infectious disease expert, brings nearly 20 years of experience to the role.
Willie Jackson Retains Broadcasting Portfolio
Jackson moves from 13th to 9th, keeping his existing portfolios and gaining a Māori employment role. Hipkins is confident Jackson will handle a decision on the RNZ-TVNZ merger.
Kiri Allan Takes on Regional Development
Allan jumps from 16th to 10th and will become Minister for Regional Development.
Nanaia Mahuta Loses Local Government Role
Mahuta drops from 8th to 16th, retaining Foreign Affairs and taking on Disarmament and Arms Control but losing Local Government to Kieran McAnulty, who rises from an unranked minister to 18th. McAnulty will also become Deputy Leader of the House.
Andrew Little Gets Defence and Public Service Portfolios
Little drops from 6th to 13th and will become Minister for Defence and Public Service. Hipkins says Little did a great job leading health reforms, but Verrall understands health better.
Cabinet Expands with New Talent
Ginny Andersen and Barbara Edmonds become Cabinet ministers, with others joining as ministers outside Cabinet. Hipkins says the reshuffle highlights the depth of Labour's talent.
Focus on the Economy After Reshuffle
Hipkins says the recent flooding in New Zealand has shown citizens want the government to focus on key issues. He wanted to balance stability with renewal in the reshuffle and said Grant Robertson, now Leader of the House, has a steady hand on the economy.
