New Zealand’s youngest Prime Minister in over 150 years, newly-elected Jacinda Ardern, has just announced her cabinet. Speaking moments ago, Ms. Ardern said they have “prioritised economic development and job creation for New Zealanders.” She promised “a reduction in inequalities,” “significant increases in the minimum wage” and “real progress on environmental issues.”
Ms. Ardern and Mr. Peters outlined the following details:
- New plans around farming and forestry will be enacted
- Regional railways will be invested in
- Foreign buyers will be banned on purchasing existing New Zealand homes
- The minimum wage is set to rise to $16.50 per hour in 2018 and will be $20 an hour by 2020
- Combatting climate change is a key goal of both parties
- SuperGold card holders will receive a free doctors visit annually and children under 14 years of age will receive free visits
- Increased funding to Biosecurity NZ
Ms. Ardern finished by thanking Mr. Peters, who has accepted the offer of Deputy Prime Minister. “I am proud to be in a position to soon lead a government commmitted to a better, fairer, New Zealand and I thank Mr. Peters and his team for the role they have played in creating negotiating.”
Ms. Ardern joined the Labour party at 17 and was a staff member of former New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clarke. Last week she announced she was ‘honoured, privileged and humbled’ to be named the next Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Labour’s Cabinet Members:
Jacinda Ardern
David Clark
Clare Curran
Kelvin Davis
Chris Hipkins
Iain Lees-Galloway
Andrew Little
Nanaia Mahuta
Stuart Nash
Damien O’Connor
David Parker
Grant Robertson
Jenny Salesa
Carmel Sepuloni
Phil Twyford
Megan Woods
Ministers outside Cabinet: Kris Faafoi, Peeni Henare, Willie Jackson, Aupito William Sio, Meka Whaitiri
