New portfolio as Davis moves up Labour ladder

Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis

Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis' parliamentary success in shining the spotlight on Serco-run prisons and the plight of Kiwis held in detention in Australia have seen him climb up Labour's shadow Cabinet.

Mr Davis was yesterday promoted a place to number 7 on Labour's Caucus line-up with party Leader Andrew Little saying the elevation was reward for his hard work and Parliamentary hits against the Government. Mr Davis will now take on Maori Development and keep the Corrections portfolio.

Mr Davis said he was honoured to be moving up in Labour's hierarchy, but particularly pleased to get the Maori Development portfolio.

"All Maori MPs would like that portfolio in their career. It's an area that can have influence on all other portfolios and I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues to get the best outcomes for Maori and the rest of New Zealand," he said.

Mr Davis said the portfolio would give him the chance to make a real difference in areas affecting Maori, particularly in Northland. When asked if he would one day like to lead the Labour Party he laughed.

"No way ... Why would I want to do that to myself? I just want to be the best MP I can for Tai Tokerau and improve outcomes for all."

The MP for Tamaki Makaurau Peeni Henare, who is also from Northland, also received a promotion yesterday, in his first term in Parliament, to number 22 of the 32 Labour MPs. He had responsibility for Urban Maori, Maori Broadcasting and is an associate to Maori Development and Economic Development.

Mr Little said it was a strong and talented shadow Cabinet to take Labour into the 2017 election.

"Newer faces Jenny Salesa and Peeni Henare move into the shadow Cabinet, along with Meka Whaitiri who takes on local government," Mr Little said.