New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has reshuffled her cabinet. She has called it this a ‘minor’ reshuffle; involving reshuffle some big names. In a statement, the prime minister said:
“These changes are triggered by two departures. It’s also an opportunity to give newer Ministers greater responsibility and to bring new members onto the team.”
Political experts believe that Jacinda Ardern is looking for significant changes given the rising frustration and anger amongst kiwis towards her government.
43-year-old Priyanca Radhakrishnan has been appointed as the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities. On her appointment, Jacinda Ardern said:
“Priyanca Radhakrishnan moves into Cabinet, retaining all her current portfolios and adds Associate Workplace Relations and Safety with a focus on migrant exploitation. Since becoming a Minister outside of Cabinet in 2020 she has overseen the establishment of a new Ministry for Ethnic Communities, and worked on complex issues like foreign interference and social cohesion.”
With this promotion, Priyanca has become the first Indian-origin person to become a Cabinet Minister in New Zealand. She has also been placed in additional charge as Associate Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety.
In a statement on the Labour website, Priyanca said:
“I strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live with dignity—that means having equitable access to safe and affordable housing, quality education and healthcare and decent, secure work.”
Priyanca who was born in Chennai, India, went to school in Singapore, and then moved to New Zealand to a pursue Master of Development Studies from Victoria University. She worked as a policy advisor to former Labour MP, Hon Phil Goff and lives in Auckland with her husband.
In 2020, Priyanca became New Zealand’s first-ever Indian-origin minister outside of the Cabinet. She was elected as a Member of Parliament in September 2017. She is a member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, and National Council of Women (Auckland) and has worked with our diverse communities across Aotearoa.
RESHUFFLE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Kris Faafoi resigns from Parliament. Kiri Allan is promoted to Justice Minister, Michael Wood picks up Immigration
- Speaker Trevor Mallard to end his 35-year parliamentary career in mid-August as he prepares to take up a diplomatic post in Europe. Adrian Rurawhe to be nominated as Speaker
- Priyanca Radhakrishnan moves into Cabinet and gains Associate Workplace Relations and Safety
- Kieran McAnulty becomes a Minister outside of Cabinet with a focus on regional issues – picking up Emergency Management and Racing. Duncan Webb to take over as Chief Whip
- Chris Hipkins takes over Police and passes COVID-19 Response to Ayesha Verrall
