Ardern reveals new-look Cabinet
There is a new Minister of Transport after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern revealed her new-look Cabinet following Labour’s conclusive election victory.
Michael Wood, pictured, will take up the post and replaces Phil Twyford, who has been demoted outside of Cabinet.
Wood, Labour’s MP for Mount Roskill, will also handle workplace relations and safety for the government.
Grant Robertson was named as Deputy Prime Minister and retains the finance portfolio under the shake-up. He will also handle infrastructure as he tackles the key areas to the country’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19.
Other key ministerial appointments announced by Ardern on November 2 include David Parker being responsible for environment, David Clark takes on commerce and consumer affairs, and Damien O’Connor keeps his role as Minister for Biosecurity.
Chris Hipkins has been chosen for a newly created role in Cabinet dealing with Covid-19 response.
Ardern says she is “excited” by the team of ministers she has selected to deliver and economic recovery and deal with the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“They bring experience from the ground, and from within politics. But they also represent renewal and reflect the New Zealand we live in today,” she notes.
“We know we have a big job ahead of us, but the skills, experience and commitment this team brings to the task is invaluable.
“In what will be a difficult environment it’s critical we have our most experienced ministers leading the ongoing Covid response to keep New Zealanders safe from the virus and to accelerate our plan for economic recovery.”
Key ministerial positions
Prime Minister: Jacinda Ardern
Deputy Prime Minister: Grant Robertson
Minister of Transport: Michael Wood
Minister of Finance: Grant Robertson plus associates Megan Woods and David Parker
Minister for the Environment: David Parker plus associates Kiri Allan and Phil Twyford
Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: David Clark
Minister for Biosecurity: Damien O’Connor
Minister for ACC: Carmel Sepuloni
Minister of Energy and Resources: Megan Woods
Minister of Immigration: Kris Faafoi
Minister for Economic and Regional Development: Stuart Nash
Minister for Small Business: Stuart Nash
Minister of Tourism: Stuart Nash
Minister for Social Development and Employment: Carmel Sepuloni,
Minister of Customs: Meka Whitiri
Minister for Covid-19 Response: Chris Hipkins
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Michael Wood
Minister for Trade and Export Growth: Damien O’Connor
Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth: Phil Twyford
Minister of Agriculture: Damien O’Connor
Minister of Forestry: Stuart Nash
Minister for Infrastructure: Grant Robertson
Leader of the House: Chris Hipkins
