Transport minister changes

Phil Twyford loses his transport portfolio to Michael Wood, but Dr Megan Woods retains her energy and resources role and works closely with climate change minister James Shaw – especially around EVs.

Woods also retains her research, science and innovation portfolio, along with housing, and adds associate finance minister in the new cabinet announced by prime minister Jacinda Ardern.

Grant Robertson becomes deputy prime minister, finance minister and infrastructure minister in what Ardern says draws three portfolios together central to New Zealand’s economic recovery post COVID-19.

“The next three years will be very challenging for New Zealand. With the global outlook worsening we won’t be immune to the ongoing impact COVID is having around the world,” Ardern says.

“With this in mind the new Labour government will have two overarching priorities; to drive our economic recovery from COVID-19, and to continue our health response to keep New Zealanders safe from the virus.”

The recovery plan includes $42 billion of infrastructure investment.