Maori Party co-leader and Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell will be appointed Minister for Maori Development, Minister for Whanau Ora, and Associate Minister for Economic Development, it was announced today.
Prime Minister John Key also announced a Relationship Accord and confidence and supply agreement between his National Party and theMaori Party co-leaders Mr Flavell and Tariana Turia.
"I welcome this agreement with the Maori Party," Mr Key said.
"I look forward to working with Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell and building on the successful relationship the National Party and the Maori Party have shared over the past six years.
"The agreement gives the National-led Government confidence and supply support throughout this term.
"Mr Flavell will be appointed Minister for Maori Development, Minister for Whanau Ora, and Associate Minister for Economic Development.
"In addition, National has agreed to work with the Maori Party on a range of priority policy areas including Whanau Ora, the Ministerial Committee on Poverty, and Maori economic and regional development. These are outlined in the confidence and supply agreement.
"I look forward to working with the Maori Party over the next three years.
"The Maori Party has brought an important dimension to this Government over the past six years. It is one of the reasons why we have a positive and forward-looking relationship between iwi and the Crown. I have no doubt that New Zealand is a better country because of it."