New ministerial role for Rotorua MP Todd McClay

Todd McClay is the new Associate Tourism Minister

Rotorua MP Todd McClay has been given the role of Associate Tourism Minister following Prime Minister John Key's changes to the National-led Government's Ministerial line-up announced today.

Internal Affairs and Local Government Minister Chris Tremain, who has announced his intention to retire from Parliament at the upcoming general election, will be resigning from the Ministry.

Mr Tremain currently holds the Associate Tourism Minister portfolio. Mr McClay starts his new role at the end of this month.

Mr McClay said he was delighted with his appointment.

"Today Prime Minister John Key announced a re-shuffle of the Government's ministerial line up and I was delighted when he asked me to take on the role of Associate Minister of Tourism.

"This new responsibility will mean I'll be working side by side with the Prime Minister in his capacity as Minister of Tourism.

"As the MP for one of the biggest tourism cities in New Zealand, this is an exciting development for the Rotorua electorate," Mr McClay said.

"I will continue to hold the responsibility of Revenue Minister but will give up the Associate Health role. Over the last six months I have enjoyed this portfolio and am pleased to have played a major part in passing the Psychoactive Substances Act to get legal highs off our shelves and away from our children.

"I now look forward to getting stuck into my new role and quickly coming up to speed with the demands of the Associate Tourism portfolio."

Peter Dunne will be appointed Minister of Internal Affairs, Associate Minister of Health and Associate Minister of Conservation. Mr Dunne will be a Minister outside Cabinet as he was prior to his resignation in June last year.

Michael Woodhouse will be promoted to the vacancy in Cabinet, and will retain all of his current responsibilities.

Paula Bennett picks up the role of Minister of Local Government, in addition to her current portfolio responsibilities.

The new Minister outside Cabinet will be Peseta Sam Lotu-liga, who will be appointed Minister of Pacific Island Affairs and Associate Minister of Local Government. Mr Lotu-liga is the MP for Maungakiekie and was first elected to Parliament 2008.

"I want to thank Chris Tremain for his work as a Minister, and previously as Senior Government Whip," Mr Key says.

"Chris will be a real loss to the National caucus when he retires at the election and I wish him well for the future.

"I am pleased to welcome Peter Dunne back as a Minister. We have worked together well in the past, and United Future continues to be a valued partner in government.

"While 2013 brought its challenges, both Peter and I start this election year looking forward, not back."

Mr Key also congratulated Mr Lotu-liga on his elevation to the Ministry.

"Sam has very strong ties with the Pasifika community and has represented their interests in caucus well.

"He is well placed to build on the work that Hekia Parata has done in this portfolio this past term."

The Governor-General will swear in the new Ministers on January 28, before Parliament returns for the new year.