June 27, 2019
Crisis call for Henare
Peeni Henare's ability to respond rapidly to crises will be tested with as he picks up the portfolio of Civil Defence in Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's first Cabinet reshuffle.
Up to now he has been able to take a longer term view with the Whānau Ora portfolio, which he retains.
His new role comes through the elevation of Mana MP Kris Faafoi to Cabinet to become part of a team tackling the troubled housing portfolio with responsibility for state housing.
Mr Faafoi will keep his broadcasting and communications portfolios and adds government digital services.
Megan Woods becomes housing minister and Phil Twyford, who over-promised and under-delivered on Kiwibuild, retains his urban development role and picks up economic development from David Parker.
Jenny Salesa, the minister for building and construction, retains those portfolios and will be a fourth member of the team.
Ms Ardern said the time was not right to bring back Meka Whaitiri, who was sacked from Cabinet last year, but the door has not closed.
Christchurch East Mp Poto Williams will become a minister outside Cabinet with responsibilities for the community and voluntary sector and associate ministerial responsibilities for social development, immigration and Christchurch regeneration.
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