The Government has announced changes to a handful of portfolios.
Shane Jones has been appointed Associate Minister for State Owned Enterprises, becoming second in command to State Owned Enterprises Minister Winston Peters
"As Associate Minister, he will assist State Owned Enterprises Minister Winston Peters with the detailed work in the portfolio, bringing the portfolio into alignment with his other ministerial responsibilities for Infrastructure and Regional Economic Development," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.
Labour's Meka Whaitiri has been appointed Associate Minister of Forestry, helping out Minister of Forestry Mr Jones with the hefty task of planting 1 billion trees in 10 years.
Labour's Damien O'Connor's going from Associate Minister in Trade and Export to Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth.
"No material change has been made to the portfolio responsibilities in this area, with Hon David Parker retaining principal responsibility for Trade and Export Growth matters," Ms Ardern explained.
"The title change will better signal to Hon Damien O'Connor's international counterparts the nature and extent of his authority in international negotiations."
Mr Peters will also take on the Disarmament and Arms Control Portfolio, with New Zealand First deputy leader Fletcher Tabuteau picking up Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the portfolio.
Newshub.
