Bishop to take over transport role
Chris Bishop has been appointed the new Minister of Transport after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a reshuffle of his ministerial team.
The National Party member for Hutt South will take over the transport portfolio from Simeon Brown, who will become the coalition’s Minister of Health.
Bishop, pictured, previously held the shadow transport portfolio when National was in opposition. Alongside his new duties, he will remain minister of housing, infrastructure and in charge of Resource Management Act reform.
Luxon says he has made the changes, which will come into effect on January 24, as he expects a number of ministers to play even greater roles in the government’s plans to “unleash economic growth in 2025”.
“Simeon is an outstanding and diligent minister who has done an excellent job delivering on the government’s priorities,” he explains.
“Off the back of that performance, I have decided his skills are best placed to take leadership of our health system going forward.
“Chris Bishop becomes Minister of Transport, taking responsibility for an additional part of the government’s ambitious infrastructure agenda.”
The Prime Minister hopes the refreshed team will deliver economic growth to make people better off, create more opportunities for business and help the government afford world-class health and education.
Other changes include Nicola Willis, Minister of Finance, adding economic growth – formerly known as the economic development portfolio – to her workload.
Dr Shane Reti has lost his health role but picks up the science, innovation and technology, and universities portfolios.
Louise Upston acquires tourism and hospitality and becomes Deputy Leader of the House, while Simon Watts takes on responsibility for energy and local government.
Outside cabinet, Chris Penk is now Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, while Andrew Bayly becomes Minister for ACC.
James Meager has also been appointed as a minister outside cabinet and will be an Associate Minister of Transport, along with taking on the hunting and fishing, and youth portfolios and the new role of Minister for the South Island.
“Last year, we made solid progress on the economy,” adds Luxon. “Inflation has fallen significantly and now a steady march of interest rate cuts are translating into real financial relief for households.
“Having set the building blocks for rebuilding the economy, 2025 is all about going for growth and I am refreshing my team to underline this priority.”
