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Download AudioTe Tai Tonga MP Rino Tirikatene says it’s an honour to finally have ministerial rank.
Mr Tirikatane, who has been an undersecretary, was sworn in yesterday as a minister outside cabinet alongside Willow Jean Prime, Meka Whaitiri, Duncan Webb and Deborah Russell.
He will be Minister for Courts and Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth. He sits outside of cabinet alongside Willow Jean Prime and Meka Whaitiri.
“Just delighted to be able to continue the mahi, also encompassing the great southern and distant islands of Te Waipounamu me Wharekauri, just carrying on the mahi that we do,” he says.
Kelvin Davis will be joined on the front bench by Willie Jackson and Kiritapu Allan, with Nanaia Mahuta and Peeni Henare making up the five Māori in Cabinet.
Northcote MP Shanan Halbert was appointed one of Labour’s three junior whips.
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