- By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
Last week, our new Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the formation of a National-led Government in coalition with the ACT and New Zealand First parties, following the general election in October.
As part of the new Government, I am honoured to have been asked to serve as a Minister in Cabinet by the Prime Minister, and will be taking on the portfolios of Transport, Local Government, Energy and Auckland.
I will also serve as Deputy Leader of the House alongside Leader of the House Chris Bishop, to ensure the government’s priorities are moved through Parliament efficiently.
Being asked to serve in Cabinet is a humbling experience and one of the greatest privileges of my life.
The responsibility of serving our country in such a capacity is one I will not take lightly and I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to contribute towards a better future for all New Zealanders.
Kiwis voted for a new direction and fresh leadership as we seek to get New Zealand back on the right path following years of mismanagement by Labour.
Alongside our coalition partners, National is ready to deliver change to improve the lives of all New Zealanders with a robust policy plan to take us forward.
As Transport Minister, I will progress with the transport policies and projects we outlined during the campaign in order to get our country moving again.
We need to ensure that transport policy is focussed on helping people get where they need to go quickly and safely, rather than simply slowing people down.
I am also excited to take on responsibility for Local Government, which includes repealing and replacing the previous government’s Three Waters reforms and working with regional councils in the best interests of ratepayers.
As Minister for Auckland, I will work closely with all local and central government representatives in our nation’s largest city to ensure regional concerns are heard and issues managed.
In the Energy portfolio, I will be responsible for progressing the Government’s ambitious energy plan, which includes a commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity production by 2050.
We will also repeal the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration and take a closer look at our fuel security requirements, to ensure we can meet our energy needs when faced with international disruption.
And as your MP for Pakuranga, I will of course continue to be available to help with whatever issues you may have; please get in touch with my office if you need assistance by calling 572 0000 or emailing PakurangaMP@parliament.govt.nz.
Thank you again for all your support locally and I look forward to serving you and all New Zealanders in Cabinet.
