Dr Shane Reti demoted but retains Pacific Peoples portfolio

In a major Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Dr Shane Reti has been demoted, losing the health portfolio to Simeon Brown.

While being pushed down five places in the cabinet line-up, Reti will retain the Pacific Peoples portfolio and take over Science and Innovation from Judith Collins. He will also become Minister of Statistics.

These changes will take effect from Friday, 24 January.

In making the announcement on Sunday afternoon, Luxon said health would be a priority area in 2025 and that Reti had worked hard last year to reset the culture and performance of Health NZ, including establishing targets and refreshing its leadership.

However, Luxon said New Zealanders would want more progress in addressing healthcare issues.

“To deliver on that expectation, I have decided Simeon Brown will become Minister of Health," he said.

“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.

“Dr Shane Reti will take on an important new role, assuming responsibility for New Zealand’s universities and our science sector, both of which are expected to play a critical role in our economic growth plan.

Former Minister for Ethnic Communities Melissa Lee is no longer a minister. Photo/RNZ/Angus Dreaver

Former Minister for Broadcasting and Ethnic Communities Melissa Lee had the biggest demotion; she is no longer a minister.

Luxon acknowledged Lee’s contribution over the last year.

“She has worked incredibly hard engaging with the range of ethnic communities calling New Zealand home, and I thank her for that service,” the Prime Minister said.

The cabinet reshuffle also involves:

• Minister of Finance Nicola Willis adding Minister for Economic Growth, formerly known as Economic Development, to her portfolio of responsibilities.

• Chris Bishop becomes Minister of Transport

• Louise Upston picks up Tourism and Hospitality and becomes Deputy House Leader.

• Judith Collins KC becomes Minister for the Public Service

• Mark Mitchell picks up Sport and Recreation, and Ethnic Communities portfolios.

• Simon Watts takes on the Energy and Local Government portfolios

• Chris Penk picks up Small Business and Manufacturing

• Andrew Bayly becomes Minister for ACC.

• James Meager will oversee the Hunting and Fishing and Youth portfolios, the newly created role of Minister for the South Island, and the Associate Minister of Transport.