New Zealand Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins says his Government will be focused on core bread-and-butter issues like the cost of living, education, health, housing and keeping communities and businesses safe.
Mr Hipkins (pictured) said there needed to be a greater focus on what’s in front of New Zealanders right now.
“The new Cabinet line-up strengthens that focus,” Mr Hipkins said.
“In the reshuffle I have balanced the need for stability with renewal,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Hipkins said Grant Robertson would remain as Minister of Finance.
“He has seen New Zealand households and businesses through the greatest economic shock since the Great Depression,” the Prime Minister said.
“This reshuffle gives him the time and support to apply his full focus on fighting inflation and helping New Zealand families and businesses to get by,” he said.
“Michael Wood moves to number seven in the Cabinet ranking and becomes Minister for Auckland and an Associate Finance Minister.”
Mr Hipkins said having a senior Minister with a focus on the city ensured Auckland had a senior Minister with a focus on the city — something that was going to be even more important following the flood emergency.
“As a former school principal and education expert, new Education Minister, Jan Tinetti is uniquely placed to address the post-COVID challenges to our education system,” he said.
“Ayesha Verrall will become the Minister of Health and moves to the Front Bench; Kieran McAnulty moves into Cabinet and picks up the full Local Government portfolio.”
New Ministers included Ginny Andersen (Digital Economy and Communications; Small Business and Seniors) and Barbara Edmonds (Internal Affairs and Pacific Peoples).
Mr Hipkins said the reshuffle was “just the first step in our shift in focus”.
“Over the coming days and weeks you will see us put words into action, with policies to support New Zealanders by reprioritising existing programs to free up resources to help with the cost of living,” he said.
Wellington, 31 January 2023
