Giles
Dexter, Political Reporter
Willow-Jean
Prime has lost the education portfolio, but picked up social
development, as Labour reshuffles its decks ahead of the
election.
Ginny Andersen will take on the education
role, making her the third Labour MP to take on the role in
just over a year.
Peeni
Henare‘s departure from Parliament, along with Adrian
Rurawhe earlier this year, has given Labour leader Chris
Hipkins an opportunity to change things up.
“These
refreshed portfolios ensure our team will hit the ground
running when we win the election in November,” Hipkins
said.
Willie Jackson, who had taken on the social
development role last year, will instead take on Māori
Crown Relations.
Speaking
to the changes, Hipkins said Prime’s new social development
role required “care, empathy, and a strong focus on
improving outcomes for New Zealanders,” while Jackson would
focus on running a “winning campaign” in the Māori
seats.
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Among the other changes are Damien O’Connor
picking up Henare’s defence spokesperson role, Reuben
Davidson taking over economic development, and Tangi Utikere
becoming the spokesperson for state-owned
enterprises.
Vanushi
Walters moves considerably higher up Labour’s list, and
takes over foreign affairs from Henare.
New list MP
Georgie Dansey has been given the rainbow issues and
regulation roles. Dan Rosewarne, who will re-enter
Parliament following Henare’s retirement, has been given the
rural communities and small business
portfolios.
Duncan Webb, who has announced he will
retire at the election, has lost all of his spokesperson
roles.
His justice portfolio has been given to Camilla
Belich.
Hipkins said Webb would instead take on a
“mentoring role to support our team.”
The Prime
Minister is also expected to announce a ministerial
reshuffle in the coming weeks, following the retirement of
Judith Collins and Dr Shane Reti’s announcement he will step
down at the
election.
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