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Jacinda Ardern said the next government would have roughly the same number of ministers.
This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission.
Now that the deal with the Greens is done and dusted, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s next step is to appoint her new ministers.
It will be an executive full of labor ministers, except for two, the Green co-leaders, each of whom will take ministerial portfolios outside the Cabinet.
Ardern said he has been speaking to his MPs, in some cases multiple times, while bringing together New Zealand’s first majority government under the MMP.
Ardern said the next government would have roughly the same number of ministers, with a sharp focus on Covid-19.
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“I am well aware that, of course, those serious problems that require very focused attention. I have taken that into account when forming this cabinet,” he said.
The devastating effect of Covid on Europe was a sign that New Zealand cannot be complacent, he added.
The ministers of the last government will hope to retain a place in the executive and, of course, a promotion.
Ardern may also take the opportunity to sideline ministers who did not live up to expectations.
Hot on their heels are the likes of Michael Wood, Kiri Allan and Kieran McAnulty.
Even top-notch MP epidemiologist Ayesha Verrall could be in line for an associate portfolio or an undersecretary position.
In search of a return will be Meka Whaitiri and David Clark, but for him it would not be in health, since Ardern has already ruled it out.
The question remains whether Labor Vice President Kelvin Davis will be named Deputy Prime Minister.
Ardern wasn’t revealing anything as reporters questioned him, likening it to a “not very funny pub game.”
“I won’t be entertaining any speculation,” he said.
One potential change, which is already drawing criticism, is to extend the parliamentary term to four years.
There is a commitment to start talks with other parties on that and other electoral laws, but Ardern said that any change such as extending the mandate would probably go to a referendum.
“No politician wants to be seen as fledging his own nest. He has traditionally gone to a referendum and I imagine that will be the most likely scenario.”
National’s Nick Smith said any changes should ultimately be decided by the public.
“We need to have a good process, we need a commitment from all parties and because it is our electoral system, which must belong to the public, any final decision must be made by referendum,” he said.
But Smith said he was concerned that the new government would prioritize its own interests and modify electoral laws for the upcoming elections, over and above the enormous challenge needed to overcome the Covid pandemic.
