Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown has been handed one of the most difficult jobs in New Zealand politics with the announcement today he’s the coalition Government’s new Health Minister.
Brown takes over the portfolio from Dr Shane Reti, who’s lost it in a reshuffle announced in Wellington this afternoon by Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon.
Brown also becomes Minister for State Owned Enterprises.
He retains his portfolio as Minister for Auckland while Simon Watts becomes Minister for Energy and Minister of Local Government, two portfolios Brown held until today’s reshuffle.
Luxon says he’s delivered a refreshed team “focused on unleashing economic growth to make people better off, create more opportunities for business and help us afford the world-class health and education Kiwis deserve”.
“Last year, we made solid progress on the economy. 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.”
Other changes see Finance Minister Nicola Willis become Minister for Economic Growth, formerly known as the Economic Development portfolio.
“Her focus will be on leading the Government’s growth agenda to unleash the potential of our businesses to grow, develop talent and attract investment,” Luxon says.
“That will mean co-ordinating and strengthening efforts that are already underway to deliver economic growth, and taking responsibility for new initiatives designed to promote growth and productivity in the New Zealand economy.”
Luxon says health is a priority area for the Government this year.
Reti last year worked hard to reset the culture and performance of Health NZ, he says.
“It was critical to establish targets and refresh their leadership and I am confident the organisation is heading in a much better direction than it was when we entered office.
“But I have also heard Kiwis’ concerns that they expect to see even more progress, ensuring they can access the care they need, when they need it.
“To deliver on that expectation, I have decided Simeon Brown will become Minister of Health.
“Simeon is an outstanding and diligent minister who has done an excellent job delivering on the Government’s priorities.
“Off the back of that performance, I have decided his skills are best placed to take leadership of our health system going forward.”
Reti is being given a role assuming responsibility for New Zealand’s universities and science sector.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop takes over as Transport Minister from Brown.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston picks up the Tourism and Hospitality portfolio while Attorney-General Judith Collins becomes Minister for the Public Service and Police Minister Mark Mitchell picks up the Sport and Recreation and Ethnic Communities portfolios.
Simon Watts takes on the Energy and Local Government portfolios.
Outside Cabinet, Chris Penk picks up Small Business and Manufacturing, while Andrew Bayly becomes Minister for ACC.
“I have also decided to bring in James Meager as a Minister outside Cabinet,” Luxon says.
“He will take on the Hunting and Fishing, and Youth portfolios, and the newly created role of Minister for the South Island. He will also be an Associate Minister of Transport.”
Reti becomes the Minister of Statistics, Chris Bishop becomes Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation, Penny Simmonds becomes Minister for Vocational Education and Nicola Grigg becomes Associate Minister for ACC.
The ministerial changes take effect from January 24.
