Wairarapa MP Kieran McAnulty [pictured] has picked up another ministerial portfolio following the resignation of Kiri Allan after she was charged with careless driving and resisting arrest in Wellington on Sunday night.
He now adds the role of Regional Development Minister to his four other portfolios of Emergency Management, Local Government, Racing, and Rural Communities, which he juggles with his duties as Deputy Leader of the House.
McAnulty was upbeat about the new opportunity when approached for comment by the Times-Age.
“Being a proud regional boy myself, I’m looking forward to this new role,” he said.
“Since becoming an MP I’ve pushed hard for investment in the region – rail improvements, new trains, social housing, and the new building at Pūkaha, for example. It works well with my current portfolios, and I expect to still be able to keep an active presence in the electorate, so it works well.
“I’m going to get stuck in.”
