Earlier this week, Prime Minister John Key announced changes to his Ministerial portfolios. The first major change came with the long-anticipated departure of Tim Groser who has been appointed as New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States. And as he resigns from Cabinet on Monday, December 14, Judith Collins will be sworn in; she rejoins the Cabinet fold and will take up the Police and Corrections portfolio.
Following his resignation from the Cabinet on December 14, Mr Groser will resign from the Parliament on December 19 and will take up the post as the new ambassador to the US in early 2016.
He will be replaced by Maureen Pugh from the West Coast, who will be sworn in as a new Member of Parliament.
“New Zealand’s relationship with the United States is one of our most crucial,” says Mr Key. “As the world’s largest economy and New Zealand’s fourth-largest trading partner, the United States is a key destination for our exporters. New Zealand and the United States also cooperate on a range of international peace and security issues.”
Mr Key added that Mr Groser’s extensive experience as Trade Minister makes him well-paced for the role of ambassador to the US.
“I want to congratulate Tim Groser on his appointment as Ambassador to Washington. His experience in the trade portfolio, including the successful conclusion of the TPP negotiations, makes Mr Groser an ideal person to represent our country’s interest in Washington,” said Mr Key.
“On a personal note, Tim will be very much missed by his colleagues in Cabinet and Caucus. Tim has been a valued colleague since his election to Parliament in 2005 and has made a significant contribution to New Zealand’s interests.”
Mr Groser became a Member of Parliament in 2005 and has been a Minister since 2008, holding the Trade, Climate Change Issues, Conservation and Associate Foreign Affairs Ministerial portfolios then. His climate change portfolio will be handed over to Paula Bennett and his trade portfolio would go to Todd McClay.
Mr Groser replaces outgoing Ambassador Mike Moore.
Judith Collins returns as she takes up the Police and Corrections portfolios from Michael Woodhouse and Sam Lotu-Iiga.
"I am pleased to welcome Judith Collins back to Cabinet,” said Mr Key. “Judith has been a competent Minister, and will quickly be able to pick up the Police and Corrections portfolios that she has successfully held before.
Ms Collins’ became a Cabinet minister in 2008 and her initial ministerial portfolios were Police, Corrections and Veterans’ Affairs. Her portfolio changed to Justice, Accident Compensation Corporation and Ethnic Affairs in 2011. In August 2014, she resigned from the Cabinet following allegations that she had undermined the then-head of the Serious Fraud Office, Adam Feeley. In November, she was cleared of any involvement.
“I suspect the 12 months she has had on the backbench has given her a chance to reflect...and I think it will make her stronger as a minister,” added Mr Key.
Talking about the Serco debacle, an excited Ms Collins told TVNZ that she “desperately wanted to get in there”. Even though she is considered to be partly responsible for Serco—as the contract was set up during her regime—it is interesting to note that as an instant reaction to her return, the decision to sack Serco has been announced.
Ms Collins will be sworn in on December 14.
ACT Leader David Seymour was offered the positions of Minister for Regulatory Reform and Associate Minister of Education. However, Mr Seymour rejected the role.
“He declined my offer as he wants to see through his member’s bill on End of Life Choice. He is also focused on continuing to rebuild the ACT party and working hard as the new MP for Epsom.
“I respect his decision and look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his current roles,” says Mr Key.
The other key changes made by Mr Key are as follows:
• Paula Bennett picks up the Climate Change Issues portfolio from Mr Groser
• Todd McClay becomes Minister of Trade. He retains his responsibilities for State Owned Enterprises while handing over the Revenue portfolio to Michael Woodhouse.
• Michael Woodhouse picks up Revenue portfolio
• Sam Lotu-Iiga picks up the Local Government portfolio from Paula Bennett while handing Corrections to Ms Collins
The Department of Corrections has confirmed that it would not renew Serco’s contract to run Mt Eden Corrections Facility.
Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga said that he supported the decision: “The decision is one of the chief executive of Corrections to make. However, I fully support the decision he has made. The contract allowed for non-renewal after six years, and I have been briefed on the reasons behind this decision.
“This decision to not renew the contract will allow the department to consider changes to the management contract that will ensure it is run safely and effectively.”