What A Choice!
OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of good ideas, more like a choice of who's the least bad option.
Nicola Grigg, who has held the Associate Agriculture Minister portfolio specialising in Horticulture since 2023, has been named Minister for the Environment.
Meanwhile, sheep and beef farmer and Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick has been named Minister for Land Information and Associate Minister of Agriculture.
Luxon says that having a strong ministerial team with real-world experience to deliver the Government's economic response is "crucial".
"Today’s reshuffle reflects that and brings in new talent," he says.
“Having successfully delivered significant reforms from outside Cabinet, Chris Penk will now join Cabinet, picking up the Defence, GCSB and NZSIS, and Space portfolios. 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.
"Penny Simmonds also joins Cabinet with responsibility for Tertiary Education and Science, Innovation and Technology. Penny has successfully delivered reforms to the vocational education sector, also from outside Cabinet, and will bring her extensive governance experience to her new portfolios.
“The past few weeks have underlined how important energy security is and as such I will be elevating the Energy portfolio to senior minister Simeon Brown.
“Chris Bishop becomes Attorney-General and Paul Goldsmith takes responsibility for the Public Service and Digitising Government, and Pacific Peoples portfolios.
“Louise Upston will become Leader of the House and Simon Watts will be Minister for Auckland.
“Nicola Grigg becomes Minister for the Environment and Scott Simpson becomes Minister of Statistics and Deputy Leader of the House.
“Joining as a Minister outside Cabinet, Cameron Brewer becomes Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Small Business and Manufacturing, and Associate Minister of Immigration. Mike Butterick becomes Minister for Land Information and Associate Minister of Agriculture."
Luxon says he acknowledges the public service of Judith Collins and Shane Reti who will depart Parliament at the upcoming election.
“Judith was first elected in 2002 and since then, has held numerous different ministerial portfolios and served as Leader of the Opposition. This term, she has delivered the Defence Capability Plan, advanced New Zealand’s space industry and modernised of our public service.
“In Shane’s 12 years in Parliament, he has served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition and has delivered key reforms as a minister, including improving the commerciality of our science sector to boost incomes and create jobs. He has also played a key role in projects that will benefit New Zealanders for generations, like the third medical school and expanded cancer screening.
“I would also like to acknowledge the staff who have supported Judith and Shane throughout their time here.
“New Zealand is better for Judith and Shane deciding to enter public service and I am grateful to count them both as friends. On behalf of the Government and the National Party, I wish them all the best for their futures outside Parliament.”
These changes will come into effect on Tuesday 7 April.
