Reaction to New Zealand Prime Ministor Christopher Luxon’s cabinet reshuffle is what was expected from the opposition.
“National’s reshuffle demonstrates what New Zealanders already know – that Christopher Luxon’s inexperience and inept leadership are taking New Zealand backwards,” said Labour leader Chris Hipkins.
“If anything, putting Simeon Brown in as health minister is another blow to New Zealand’s faith in their health system,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.
“Replacing Dr Shane Reti as health minister after only one year shows what a mess they’ve made of the health system.
“Dr Reti is a decent man who never stood a chance because of the budget he was given. Recruitment freezes, cuts to frontlines services and other budget cuts have left New Zealanders with little trust that they will get the care they need.
“It’s only going to get worse under Simeon Brown, who will have to demonstrate he cares about people and not just roads. He’ll have to prove to New Zealanders his purpose is to improve equitable access to health services for everyone, not to cut the health service back to bare bones,” Ayesha Verrall said.
Chris Hipkins said, “Giving Nicola Willis a new portfolio of ‘economic growth’ begs the question of why she hasn’t been focussed on that all along. What Minister of Finance doesn’t focus on economic growth?
“Appointing the most junior minister in the Government as Minister for the South Island, who doesn’t even sit around the Cabinet table, once again shows the utter contempt this government has for the mainland.
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer has labelled National’s latest Cabinet reshuffle as “amateur politics”, designed to distract from poor polling and failing policies rather than addressing the growing health crisis facing Aotearoa.
“This kind of reshuffle creates the illusion of action. But what it really represents is a government in survival mode, more concerned with its own fortunes than the challenges facing our people,” said Ngarewa-Packer.
“This government has dismantled every transformational health solution. These changes show they are out of touch, ineffective, and focused on their own survival”, concluded Ngarewa-Packer.
LGNZ says a Cabinet reshuffle is an opportunity for the Government to strengthen its relationship with local government.
As part of the Cabinet reshuffle announced yesterday, the Prime Minister has announced that Minister Simeon Brown will relinquish his role as Minister for Local Government and Transport to take on the health portfolio.
LGNZ President Sam Broughton acknowledges Minister Brown for his contributions as Minister for Local Government.
“In a short period of time, Minister Brown has made an enormous impact in the local government portfolio. From Local Water Done Well to Regional Deals, Minister Brown has a strong vision for the sector. We thank him for his leadership.
“Local government is an exciting portfolio that touches on many parts of New Zealander’s lives. We are pleased that our new Minister is someone who is remarkably familiar with the sector. We know Minister Simon Watts, from his experience as the Spokesperson for Local Government, has empathy for the work councils do in communities.
“There is a real opportunity for the Minister and councils to form a genuine partnership to deliver what matters to our communities.
“It’s no secret that New Zealand needs better roads, transport and more housing. Central and local government need to work together to deliver what’s needed on the ground more efficiently.
“I know we won’t always agree on everything. But local and central government serve the same people. I’m looking forward to sitting down with Minister Watts to work through how best we collaborate and build an authentic and enduring partnership – to make a positive difference for all New Zealanders,” Sam Broughton said.
