National has announced its new line up after the recent election wiped out a significant portion of its MPs, leaving the party scrambling to cover the Opposition portfolios.
Paul Goldsmith has been dumped as National's finance spokesperson, after a high-profile error during the party's election campaign. He was dropped to 12th position and takes on the education portfolio.
Goldsmith is replaced by Michael Woodhouse, who saw a sharp rise up to a fourth as finance spokesperson.
Goldsmith put out his fiscal election plan with a $4 billion error in it, something he labelled an "irritating mistake" after it was pointed out by Labour's Grant Robertson.
He apologised to leader Judith Collins for the mistake, after basing his calculations on May's Budget figures, instead of the more recent pre-election economic and fiscal update ones.
Today, Collins said Goldsmith was "absolutely, really keen to get into all of education".
Former leader Todd Muller also fell down to a 19th place. When asked if it were a punishment for the damage Muller and Goldsmith contributed to National's campaign, Collins said it was "an acknowledgment of the issues we feel are going to be the strongest issues, that we need to deal with".
On Andrew Bayly's huge rise to number three and Michael Woodhouse to four, Collins said the pair would be a "powerhouse" in regards to the economic portfolios in the Covid-19 response.
"The new line-up reflects the wealth of talent and experience we have across a range of portfolios. We're very ready to roll up our sleeves and get down to work. New Zealand's economic recovery will be at the forefront of everything we do."
"We have a shadow Cabinet brimming with business experience."
Simon Bridges lost the foreign affairs portfolio, with former deputy Gerry Brownlee picking it back up.
Collins has given herself the national security and intelligence portfolio, Pacific peoples, technology, manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Shane Reti was yesterday announced as the party's deputy and health spokesperson, he has also been given the children portfolio.
Dr Reti said he intends to be the engine room behind Opposition Leader Judith Collins.
When asked if National's smaller caucus line-up would have the breadth to match Labour's, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there was "no question we are going to benefit, and I hope therefore New Zealand will benefit, from the fact we have such a wide range of experience, talent and representation in our caucus".
"We are covering rural, urban areas, Māori seats, general seats and we have a wide range of experience."
She congratulated Reti on securing the role of deputy.
"It's a difficult job, any job in opposition is, and I wish him well."
Other rankings and portfolios:
3. Andrew Bayly - Shadow Treasurer (Revenue), infrastructure and statistics.
4. Michael Woodhouse - finance.
5. Louise Upston - social development and employment, social investment, Whanau Ora and land information.
6. Todd McClay - economic development, small business, commerce and consumer affairs, tourism and associate Pacific Peoples.
7. Simon Bridges - justice, water, Pike River re-entry and Māori Crown Relations.
8. Chris Bishop - Covid 19 Response, Shadow Leader of the House.
9. Melissa Lee - broadcasting and media, digital economy and communications, ethnic communities.
10. Scott Simpson - environment, workplace relations, RMA (environment).
11. David Bennett - agriculture, horticulture, bio-security.
12. Paul Goldsmith - education.
13. Mark Mitchell - Public service, SOEs and sport and recreation
14. Barbara Kuriger - Energy & Resources, Rural Communities, Food Safety, Associate Transport
15. Gerry Brownlee - Foreign Affairs GCSB & NZSIS Associate Finance
16. Nicola Willis - RMA (Housing), Housing & Urban Development (including Social), Associate Economic Development
17. Stuart Smith - Climate Change, Viticulture
18. Jacqui Dean - Conservation, Assistant Speaker
19. Todd Muller - Trade & Export Growth, Internal Affairs
20. Simeon Brown - Police, Corrections, SFO, Youth
Matt Doocey yesterday was made senior whip and Maureen Pugh was made junior whip.
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