1News understands there will be a Cabinet reshuffle later today.
The NZ Herald has reported Shane Reti could lose the health portfolio to Simeon Brown.
If so, it would be the first substantial recalibration of the Cabinet since the election in 2023.
The only substantive changed until today were ministers outside Cabinet shifting responsibilities due to performance issues – including Melissa Lee being stripped of the broadcasting role and Penny Simmonds losing the disability portfolio.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has faced some intense scrutiny over delivering on promises in the health sector, including a pledge of $22,500 of student loan support for graduate nurses.
Last month, he told 1News Political Editor Maiki Sherman, he couldn’t “give a firm commitment around timing” while insisting it remained a “live” issue.
Political Editor Maiki Sherman sat down with Christopher Luxon for an end-of-year chat, quizzing him on the promise. (Source: 1News)
Reti, also Minister for Pacific Peoples, last year outlined his implementation plan for five health targets — aiming to shorten stays in emergency departments; shorten wait times to see specialists and receive treatments; to improve immunisation for children; and for faster access to cancer treatments.
At the time, Labour called the targets “half-baked” and “an afterthought”.
