Jackson takes Maori Development role in mega-Maori cabinet

There are high profile roles for Māori Ministers and three more Māori in the cabinet announced today by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Kelvin Davis turned down the offer to become deputy prime minister, creating the opening for Grant Robertson to take on that role as well as remaining Finance Minister and picking up Infrastructure.

Mr Davis remains deputy leader of the Labour Party, and becomes Minister for Children with responsibility for Oranga Tamariki, while retaining Corrections and Associate Education.

Nanaia Mahuta will become the country’s first female Minister for Foreign Affairs.

She will retain Local Government and have an associate role in Māori Development , but the Māori Development Minister will be Willie Jackson, who enters cabinet after serving outside in the previous Government.

Also coming into cabinet is Peeni Henare, who becomes Associate Minister for Health with special responsibility for Māori health.

Mr Henare retains his Whānau Ora portfolio, becomes an Associate Minister of Housing with responsibility for Māori housing, and at his own request also becomes Minister of Defence.

Andrew Little becomes Health Minister, while Chris Hipkins becomes the Minister for COVID Recovery as well as retaining Education, and Megan Woods will run Housing and Energy.

East Coast MP Kiri Allen comes on to the executive and into cabinet as Conservation Minister.

Meka Whaitiri has also found her way back into the executive, and will be Customs Minister outside cabinet.

Rino Tirikatene will serve as an undersecretary under the new Oceans and Fisheries Minister, David Parker, and will also cover Māori trade.

The new Police Minister is Poto Williams, and Stuart Nash picks up the roles held in the last government by Shane Jones including Forestry and Regional Economic Development, as well as Tourism and Small Business.

Adrian Rurawhe will be nominated for the role of Deputy Speaker.

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