Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced a refreshed ministerial lineup, promoting Chris Penk and Penny Simmonds into Cabinet and elevating the Energy portfolio to senior minister Simeon Brown, as the Government responds to economic pressures and global instability.
The reshuffle, which takes effect from April 7, comes as senior National MPs Judith Collins and Shane Reti leave Parliament at the end of the term.
Penk will join Cabinet with responsibility for Defence, the GCSB, NZSIS and Space.
"Chris’ time in the NZDF leaves him well placed to lead the work our Government has done in raising the status and capability of our armed forces," Luxon said.
Live stream: Christopher Luxon announces Cabinet reshuffle
Simmonds joins Cabinet with responsibility for Tertiary Education and for Science, Innovation and Technology, after previously leading reforms to the vocational education sector from outside Cabinet.
Chris Bishop has picked up Attorney-General, but lost his role as Leader of the House to Louise Upston. He has also been replaced by Brown as National's campaign chair.
Asked about his decision to redelegate some of Bishop's roles, Luxon explained that Bishop's ministerial workload had increased with his appointment as Attorney-General, in addition to his current housing, transport, infrastructure and RMA reform portfolios.
"RMA reform, quite simply, is the single most important economic reform of this Government and will require significant attention in the coming months," he said.
"I want to make sure he's able to focus on that."
Luxon also said the past few weeks had underlined the importance of energy security.
"As such I will be elevating the Energy portfolio to senior minister Simeon Brown."
Paul Goldsmith takes on the Public Service, Digitising Government and Pacific Peoples portfolios, Simon Watts becomes Minister for Auckland and Nicola Grigg takes over as Minister for the Environment.
Scott Simpson will become Minister of Statistics and Deputy Leader of the House.
Outside Cabinet, Cameron Brewer has been appointed Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, and Associate Minister of Immigration. Mike Butterick becomes Minister for Land Information and Associate Minister of Agriculture.
Luxon said the reshuffle was aimed at strengthening the Government's response to current economic pressures.
"Having a strong ministerial team with real-world experience to deliver our response is crucial. Today’s reshuffle reflects that and brings in new talent."
He also acknowledged the departure of Collins and Reti, praising their combined decades of service.
"New Zealand is better for Judith and Shane deciding to enter public service," he said. "I am grateful to count them both as friends."
Collins was first elected in 2002 and has held a range of senior portfolios, including Leader of the Opposition. Reti spent 12 years in Parliament and previously served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
"On behalf of the Government and the National Party, I wish them all the best for their futures outside Parliament," Luxon said.
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