03.45 pm, Friday May 25 2012

New NZ cabinet to be announced next week

11:06 AEDT Wed Nov 30 2011
By Peter Wilson, Political Writer
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The incoming New Zealand government cabinet is expected to be announced next week and Prime Minister John Key is to recall parliament on December 20.

Mr Key says there will be new faces and some changes in the portfolios his ministers hold.

Two ministers have retired - Simon Power and Wayne Mapp - and he says he will reshuffle the pack because some of those who have stayed want new challenges.

Among those who won't be moving into new offices will be his deputy, Finance Minister Bill English, and Health Minister Tony Ryall.

They already know they'll be keeping their jobs.

Before he can announce the cabinet Mr Key wants to nail down support agreements with ACT and United Future, and find ministerial positions for their MPs John Banks and Peter Dunne.

Mr Dunne isn't a problem, he's expected to keep the revenue portfolio he held before.

What he will give Mr Banks isn't known, but it won't be local government because of his close involvement with Auckland's restructuring when he was the city's mayor.

That was the portfolio held by former ACT leader Rodney Hide, who was ousted by Don Brash and didn't stand for re-election.

Police and Corrections Minister Judith Collins is tipped to replace Mr Power as justice and commerce minister, although Mr Key might decide to split the portfolios.

And if the Maori Party signs a support agreement, which is expected, he will need portfolios for co-leaders Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples.

Dr Sharples is likely to continue as Maori affairs minister and Mrs Turia is keen to keep the job of minister responsible for Whanau Ora, the Maori welfare system she is establishing.

 

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