New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a cabinet reshuffle to boost economic growth, enhance the well-being of citizens, and expand business opportunities in the country.
“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,” Luxon said in a statement.
As part of the cabinet reshuffle, Finance Minister Nicola Willis will assume the role of Minister for Economic Growth.
According to Luxon, “In 2024, Nicola did a fantastic job delivering tax relief for hard-working Kiwis and restoring a culture of fiscal discipline—with New Zealanders now seeing the benefits in the form of lower inflation and interest rates.”
Luxon expressed confidence in Nicola Willis’s ability to focus and dedicate herself to the task of driving rapid growth for Kiwi businesses in 2025.
“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. That will mean coordinating 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.”
Meanwhile, Simeon Brown will take on the health portfolio from Shane Reti.
The Prime Minister stated that Reti had established a solid foundation in the healthcare portfolio but emphasised that Simeon Brown is the right person to advance the agenda.
He noted that Brown had demonstrated his effectiveness in the Local Government, Energy, and Transport portfolios. The Local Government and Energy portfolios are now assigned to Simon Watts while Chris Bishop becomes Minister of Transport.
Reti will now be in charge of New Zealand’s universities and science sector.
Louise Upston has been appointed as the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and will also serve as the Deputy Leader of the House.
Mark Mitchell takes on the Sport and Recreation, as well as the Ethnic Communities portfolios.
Judith Collins KC becomes Minister for the Public Service.
The reshuffle also brings in James Meager as a Minister outside the Cabinet.
“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.”
Meager has taken over from Melissa Lee, who is no longer serving as a Minister.