Christopher Luxon names Nicola Willis National's new finance spokesperson, Chris Bishop takes housing

National leader Christopher Luxon has named deputy leader Nicola Willis the new finance spokesperson after Simon Bridges' shock resignation. 

Chris Bishop moves into Bridges' third-ranked spot in the caucus and takes his infrastructure portfolio and Willis' housing portfolio.

Māori MP Shane Reti - who was deputy leader under Judith Collins - is now ranked fourth in the caucus while Paul Goldsmith - who lost the finance role in 2020 after a 'fiscal hole' was found in his economic plan - is now ranked fifth. 

"Kiwis are going backwards under Labour, and Nicola will take the Government to task over the cost of living crisis and their wasteful spending decisions," Luxon said on Wednesday. 

"Nicola has an incredible intellect, prodigious work ethic and proven ability to hold the Government to account as we've seen her do on housing. She will build on National's track record as the best economic managers to help Kiwis get ahead.

"Nicola served as a member of Parliament's Finance and Expenditure Select Committee and previously held a number of senior management roles at Fonterra.

"Chris Bishop will move to the number three ranking and pick up the Infrastructure and Housing portfolios. Chris has done a tremendous job in leading National's response to COVID-19, and I look forward to him shaping our policies in these areas.

"In addition Dr Shane Reti has been promoted to number four on National's front bench and Hon Paul Goldsmith to number five.

"The Labour Government doesn't have a plan for the economy. National will continue to hold them to account on the cost of living crisis, their wasteful spending and their failure to get things done for New Zealand."