Cabinet reshuffle: winning line-up or deck chair rearrangement?

Tough gig: first term MP Ayesha Verrall takes on completing Andrew Little's health reforms. (Image: Getty)

Wed, 01 Feb 2023

If a cabinet reshuffle delivers the same faces, but in a different order, does anybody notice?Crudely put, that is Chris Hipkins’ challenge after appointing a refreshed but not particularly renewed cabinet line-up.Much of the reorganisation is in cabinet rankings rather than a bevy of new ministerial warrants being issued, and some of the promotions look less like a showcase of emerging talent than a political need to be seen to be shuffling the deck.For example, and without seeking to be unkind, the new health minister, Ayesha Verrall, h...

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