The Cabinet Reshuffle
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- Date published:
10:25 am, February 1st, 2023 - 22 comments
Categories: Andrew Little, Carmel Sepuloni, chris hipkins, david parker, grant robertson, Kelvin Davis, labour, Nanaia Mahuta -
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Chris Hipkins has announced his cabinet reshuffle and there have been some dramatic changes.
Here is the list showing changes in ranking.
| Hipkins | 4 |
| Sepuloni | 4 |
| Davis | 0 |
| Robertson | -2 |
| Woods | -1 |
| Tinetti | 9 |
| Wood | 9 |
| Verrall | 11 |
| Jackson | 5 |
| Allan | 6 |
| Nash | 1 |
| O’Connor | -1 |
| Little | -6 |
| Parker | -6 |
| Henare | -2 |
| Mahuta | -7 |
| Radhakrishnan | 3 |
| McAnulty | New |
| Andersen | New |
| Edmonds | New |
Biggest losers are Andrew Little and Nanaia Mahuta and David Parker.
Little has had a huge workload in Health not only overseeing what is probably the most complex portfolio but also dealing with a large reorganisation, possibly the most radical ever seen.
He does not suffer fools and it could be argued that a more nuanced response to issues is politically best.
And there have been lots of stupid attacks. Like Dunedin City Council getting up in arms because a cost explosion has forced the Government to trim design plans for the new Dunedin Hospital.
From RNZ:
Dunedin City Council will consider paying up to $130,400 to fight changes to the city’s new hospital that would see fewer beds, operating theatres and MRI units available when it opens.
Last month, the government announced an additional $110 million after project costs ballooned by $200m, with the remaining $90m shortfall being met through design changes.
When it opens there will be 398 beds, not 410 as first planned, 26 operating theatres instead of 28 and two MRI units instead of three.
But there is space for all these facilities to meet the original plan in the future.
The capacity will still be there but will be staged. Delivering not quite the same because of extreme cost pressures is the sort of thing you would expect a fiscally responsible Government to do.
Nanaia Mahuta has also suffered from a demotion. Media has noted that she has been “stripped” of her Local Government portfolio but it is a huge portfolio, as is Foreign Affairs, and to expect someone to handle both was always a huge ask. I am pleased that she continues to be our Foreign Minister and I believe she has displayed a very deft handling of issues.
David Parker has also been moved down the rankings. Once the RMA reforms are finished I wonder what his intentions are? Policy wise he has been on of the heavy lifters in Cabinet.
The side movements allow for the Health Reforms and Three Waters to have a significant review and this may have been the intention.
Chris Hipkins has certainly shown that he intends to exert control over the Government’s future.
Following on from two good polls I suspect that these changes will also be electorally beneficial.
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- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...2 weeks ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Winston Peters must apologise
The Deputy Prime Minister should apologise to the public servant he named and blamed for something they did not do, and for misusing the rules of Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...15 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...16 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...16 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...16 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...17 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...18 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...19 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...20 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...20 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...22 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...1 day ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...2 days ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...3 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...3 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...3 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...3 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...4 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...4 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...5 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...7 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...7 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...7 days ago
- Proposals to modernise conservation released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system, aiming to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is ...1 week ago
- Knowing superstitions aren’t real doesn’t stop us behaving superstitiously – why?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Gomes-Ng, Senior Lecturer of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Former New Zealand prime minister John Key has three white rabbits painted on his helicopter, a nod to his “massively superstitious” habit of repeating “white rabbits” three times at ...2 hours ago - Government slammed for pushing ahead with boot camps while trial still under way
The coalition has "absolutely no intention of listening to the evidence that comes out of their experiment", Labour MP says. ...2 hours ago - Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate
Labour claims Government is ‘cherry-picking’ smoking trends data to hide decade-first increase in daily smokers The post Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago - Smoke and mirrors in tobacco debate
Labour claims Government is ‘cherry-picking’ smoking trends data to hide decade-first increase in daily smokers The post Smoke and mirrors in tobacco debate appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation
The Government’s economic adviser is sending a message it doesn’t want to hear – superannuation is increasingly unaffordable The post Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Victims of sex offending welcome shift on name suppression laws
A man abused by a former political figure is "immensely relieved" at a government proposal to end secrecy around sex offenders' identities. ...3 hours ago
- This week three parties stood together – can they withstand the storm to come?
There is plenty yet to play out, but the next election is at this rate shaping up as trio versus trio, writes Toby Manhire. A subplot of this week’s historic hīkoi mō te Tiriti has been the sight of the three opposition parties presenting a unified front. Te Pāti Māori ...3 hours ago - All 33 malls in Auckland ranked from worst to best
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- Raw Politics: Six months in a leaky Bill
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not meet the Treaty Principles Bill hikoi crowd, sees “nothing” of merit in the Act-proposed law but the Parliament his Government dominates will spend six months debating a “divisive” measure.That’s because he has accepted there needs to be “aeration” of people’s views on the Treaty, ...3 hours ago
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Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 22 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
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The server will be getting hardware changes this evening starting at 10pm NZDT.
The site will be off line for some hours.
@ MickySavage: I have turned on comments.
It's a canny selection.
Rewarding new blood for work done in select committee. Promoting proven performers, and making room for others.
The rankings are largely meaningless but I do wonder why Mahuta and Little have dropped by 7 and 6 places respectively.
But overall a good reshuffle. Health and 3 waters are two of those issues that were beginning to bog the government so some fresh leadership is certainly a good thing and I think you will see a further bounce.
The words 'winners' and 'losers' figures in so much of the Cabinet reshuffle talk. I think it's a lowest common denominator, simplistic, trite perspective. It's valid though because that's the way politics operates here. It's a frame for journalists to hang their stories on, it has become the frame of our perspectives. It's another part of the navel gazing way things are.
If you were Minister of Underwater Marbles and had that job taken from you and you were made Minister of Underwater Hockey and moved from 49th ranked to 51st ranked, are you a winner or a loser?
Do you get less pay? Did you get a better car to be driven in? Do you get to be called "Ma'am" or "Sir" more often. If what you've been appointed to is so unimportant you're a loser, why is it a job at all?
In a rugby or football sense which players are less important? "You're a loser because you're only a wing. If you were a winner you'd be centre forward or in rugby the halfback."
Agree 100%. It's meaningless in government, and even more so in opposition, where it's not even a real job. But the opp spokesperson on marbles/hockey still has to be ranked. Why?
Worse, the press gallery seem to care and think that we care. I've met (e.g.) teachers who certainly care who is Minister of Education and what they're doing, but I've never met a single one who got excited because that Minister was now up to 8 from 10.
It's BS.
"But the opp spokesperson on marbles/hockey still has to be ranked. Why?"
The main Opposition party in the New Zealand Parliament doesn't, in spite of what you seem to think, rank everybody. They rank the top 20 but not anyone below that. They obviously think just the way you want them to, they just got there sooner than you have.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-bishop-judith-collins-and-todd-muller-winners-in-national-reshuffle/GSJOIE4DVNDA5CSUFBUZI6RK6U/
The Labour party appear to rank their entire Caucus however.
https://www.labour.org.nz/ourteam
The Labour Caucus ranking is:
So desperate to craft your narrative that you cannot even compare apples with apples.
I'm having grudging admiration for Prime Minister Hipkins already.
The speed of rollout tells me he has had his preferred Cabinet in mind for quite some time, should he ever get the shot at Number 1.
He has totally monstered the media cycle and looks set to do so for weeks. The upcoming Australian visit is also smart.
Verrall at Health means she can bring out her list of all bureaucrats who ever wronged her over 20 years in the service. She knows all their processes, and all the limits to their delegations.
Woods with the Auckland portfolio is just a piece of magic against Mayor Brown. Our medium-term black-wite advertisement for competent governance. My concern is that Transport as a portfolio is getting out of control and he's very distracted.
Surprised more of the load hasn't come off Woods. She and Hipkins will need to press on with the NZBattery preferred decision soon or the risk of National getting in and killing it will get very high – after which point NZSuper can come in and pretend Taranaki Bight wind farms can replace it. Nor is Kainga Ora development arm under any control either.
Weird that Parker is demoted but still holds onto Revenue. Give it up already. Edmonds or Russell need more to cut their teeth on. Also either of those two need to be groomed as new AG or Minister of Finance.
Moving the right people in place for a tough election campaign whilst providing strong governance/leadership (without screw-ups!) and giving a few newbies a go, with appropriate mentorship, no doubt, to test them out and make them hungry enough for more. The move suggests a clear vision for the present and the (near) future. So far, a very united team despite some suggestions by some of internal fights in the Party especially with the Māori caucus. Good!
Well, more than one nurse is hoping third time lucky with the new minister.
I still can not understand the resistance from Little to one, settling the wage round and two, the pay parity claim. There isn't a downside.
I agree that the ongoing unrest about the nurses pay seems to be entirely inexplicable – both from a fairness and a PR perspective.
Look forward to Verrall cutting the Gordian knot – and just getting on with it.
It would have to be one of the most popular government spending decisions out there.
My guess is cost and implications for wages for the rest of the public sector, especially elsewhere in Health, Education and Police. That said, I think they should accept that paying more is necessary to actually get stuff done.
That's the thing, the reason for this pay parity is to gain equity with the cops.
Woods seems to have a huge workload – picking up Infrastructure in addition to her already monster portfolios of Housing, Energy and Building. She's also Campaign manager – which is another very significant hat to be wearing.
Personally I think Chris is looking to Megan to do his past role. The "go to" Minister to sort problems.
This refresh brings the average age down, and creates connections.
Parker and Little's peers have mainly retired.
Nanaia Mahuta needs a rest from the nasty attacks and will be given other policy to work on, plus her role as Minister of Foreign Affairs could become far meatier with Pacific Asian tensions.
Working with Tainui is a great Diplomatic training ground.
I agree that Woods is the 'go-to-girl' of the new cabinet – but it's a really heavy workload.
Sepuloni has associate Foreign Minister with Pacific responsibilities – so I expect that we'll be seeing more of her in relationship-building across the Pacific.
Which would leave Mahuta for the long-haul heavy lifting. I note that she's just about to leave for India.
I'd be really surprised if Hipkins uses her to front any other policy areas – he's got to be wary of the fact that she's been front-and-centre of all of the brouhaha around 3 waters – and the associated poor communication. Not to say she won't be working behind the scenes – but I'd be surprised if there are any other ministerial roles.
There is nothing wrong with that, but usually there is an associate and under secretary trainee working with them under oversight.
Woods has an associate Housing minister (Barbara Edmonds) – but doesn't appear to have an associate in any of her other ministerial roles. She's also associate minister of Finance.
I'm not saying there is anything 'wrong' with it, per se. But it's a huge workload for any Minister to carry. And, bringing on a new Associate Minister (new to cabinet), is a workload in itself.
The usual ("Westminster") practice is to bring in newbies as under Secretaries, then next step is to Associate Minister in that area.
Housing and Building, Energy and Infrastructure are two jobs. She should have associates in each and an under secretary in all 4 areas.
Twyford and Parker would be ideal (short term).
Given that neither Twyford nor Parker has been appointed – I'd think it's highly unlikely that they would be, retrospectively. Twyford just seems to be unsuited to Ministerial responsibility.
And Woods doesn't seem to have (or at least I haven't found) any Associate Minister apart from Edmonds. [Well, also Marama Davidson as Associate Minister for Housing (Homelessness) – who appears to be entirely invisible in this portfolio]
I don't think you can automatically assume that Housing and Building are a single job – until the middle of last year, Poto Williams was Minister of Building – Woods only took it over in June; whereas she's been Minister for Housing since 2019. Woods has been Minister of Energy since 2017 – but has only just picked up Infrastructure in this re-shuffle. So those aren't the same job, either.
Jo Luxton seems to be the only listed Parliamentary Under-Secretary (for Agriculture and Education) – so Labour don't seem to be appointing these, widely, either.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/483394/prime-minister-chris-hipkins-reveals-cabinet-reshuffle
The Westminster tradition exists for a reason – to develop competence. For example, before the neo-liberal era ministries developed their leadership internally, rather than hiring in managers from the private sector and outsourcing by contract historic functions. Competence was king. Not now.
Sure there are 4 separate ministry roles – my point is that the 4 would usually be seen as enough for 2 Ministers.
The lack of under-secretary development in a caucus that large is surprising. It would improve their capacity to perform on the Select Committees.