New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday unveiled an ‘incredibly diverse’ cabinet. Grant Robertson, former finance minister, was appointed as her deputy. Robertson is the first openly gay person to hold the office. He also retains the finance portfolio.
In the 20-strong cabinet, eight member are women. Of these, five are Maori, three are Pasifika and three are LGBT.
In order to address an immediate response to the pandemic and the longer-term economic damage left in the wake of the pandemic, the government created a response fund worth NZ $50 billion.
“I still get a lot of emails and messages from young gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who look towards us to provide that kind of role-modeling,” Robertson said. “So, I’ll keep doing my job the way that I’ve been doing it, but I’m very proud to have the role,” Robertson told The Guardian. Robertson has been Ardern’s closest ally to help plan the government’s response to the pandemic.
Nanaia Mahuta, an MP since 1996, was appointed foreign minister, replacing New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. According to Arden, Mahuta has shown diplomacy and skills to represent New Zealand on a world stage during her last three years as local government minister.
Mahuta, who is of Maori origin, becomes New Zealand’s first female foreign minister. “She is someone who builds fantastic relationships very, very quickly and that is one of the key jobs in a foreign affairs role,” Ardern said.
Ardern appointed two legislators from the Green Party—James Shaw will be the climate change minister and Marama Davidson will have a portfolio focusing on preventing family and sexual violence. These ministries will be positions held outside of the cabinet.
The government will be sworn in on Friday.
