Chris Hipkins reveals Labour's shadow cabinet

November 30, 2023
Chris Hipkins

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins has revealed Labour's line-up to counter the new coalition government - with big changes for some of his former ministers.

He said the line-up brought "experience and energy" to the opposition benches.

"With the start this coalition has had, it’s clear New Zealanders will need an opposition that stands up for their values and what is right," Hipkins said.

"This Labour team doesn’t just have experience, it has values and cares about all New Zealanders – not just a few.

"The election didn’t go Labour’s way and we have work to do to make sure Kiwis know and feel that Labour backs them. I have absolute confidence our team will work with communities right across the country to build this support back.

"There are six women and four men in the top 10, it is a diverse line-up and the front bench includes portfolios like climate change and children."

The party has revealed some tweaks and who'll be matching up against the new government. (Source: 1News)

Many of the portfolio allocations simply continue the roles the MPs served while they were ministers in the former Labour government.

The departure of Andrew Little and Nanaia Mahuta have seen their roles re-allocated.

Meanwhile, David Parker and Damien O'Connor appear to have suffered the biggest falls in their line-up rankings — with both nearly falling out of the top-20.

Ginny Andersen, who has faced bullying allegations, remains in Hipkins' top-10 as police spokesperson, but has lost her justice portfolio.

She also remains spokesperson for the prevention of family and sexual violence.

When asked about the reasons behind the changes, Hipkins suggested "ratings in opposition don't matter anywhere as much as the contribution you make".

"I'm going to be rating people based on the contributions they make. You'll notice there are no numbers on the page — that's deliberate for a reason."

Yesterday the Greens outlined their spokespeople, while on Friday Prime Minister Christopher Luxon revealed the ministers in his National-ACT-NZ First coalition government.

Labour's list in opposition

  1. Chris Hipkins - Opposition Leader, Ministerial Services, National Security and Intelligence
  2. Carmel Sepuloni - Deputy Leader, Social Development, Pacific Peoples, Auckland Issues, Child Poverty Reduction
  3. Grant Robertson - Finance, Racing
  4. Dr Megan Woods - Climate Change, Energy, Resources
  5. Willie Jackson - Maori Development, Broadcasting and Media, Employment
  6. Ayesha Verrall - Health, Public Services, Wellington Issues
  7. Kieran McAnulty - Shadow Leader of the House, Housing, Local Government, Regional Development
  8. Willow-Jean Prime - Children, Youth
  9. Ginny Andersen - Police, Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Social Investment
  10. Jan Tinetti - Education, Women
  11. Barbara Edmonds - Economic Development, Infrastructure
  12. Peeni Henare - Defence, Sport and Recreation
  13. Priyanca Radhakrishnan - Conservation, Disability Issues, NZSIS, GCSB
  14. Jo Luxton - Agriculture, Bisosecurity, Rural Communities
  15. Duncan Webb - Deputy Leader of the House, Justice, Regulation, Earthquake Commission, Christchurch Issues
  16. Deborah Russell - Revenue, Science, Innovation and Technology
  17. Rachel Brooking - Environment, Food Safety, Space
  18. Damien O'Connor - Trade
  19. David Parker - Foreign Affairs, Attorney General, Electoral Reform
  20. Kelvin Davis - Maori-Crown Relations, Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
  21. Tangi Utikere - Chief Whip, Transport, Oceans and Fisheries
  22. Camilla Belich - Junior Whip, Workplace Relations, Emergency Management
  23. Arena Williams - Assistant Whip, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Building and Construction, State-Owned Enterprises
  24. Phil Twyford - Immigration, Disarmament and Arms Control
  25. Greg O'Connor - Assistant Speaker, Courts, Veterans
  26. Jenny Salesa - Ethnic Communities, Customs
  27. Rachel Boyack - ACC, Arts Culture, and Heritage, Animal Welfare
  28. Adrian Rurawhe - Whānau Ora
  29. Rino Tirikatene - Corrections, Land Information
  30. Helen White - Community and Voluntary Sector, Small Business and Manufacturing
  31. Ingrid Leary - Seniors, Mental Health
  32. Lemauga Lydia Sosene - Internal Affairs
  33. Reuben Davidson - Statistics, Digital Economy and Communications
  34. Cushla Tangaere-Manuel - Tourism and Hospitality, Forestry, Cyclone Recovery

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