Shane Reti says he is leaving health portfolio in good position for Simeon Brown

Dr Shane Reti says he is 100% behind new Health Minister Simeon Brown and is excited about his new portfolio. Photo / Denise Piper

Shane Reti says he is looking forward to new challenges after Christopher Luxon’s first major reshuffle saw him lose the health portfolio and drop five places in National’s rankings.

Simeon Brown has been appointed Minister of Health, with the Prime Minister saying Brown is the best person to deliver progress so Kiwis can access the healthcare they need, when they need it.

Reti remains Minister for Pacific Peoples, as well as picking up Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Statistics, and Universities.

The Whangārei MP drops from fourth to ninth in National’s minister rankings but remains in Cabinet.

In his first interview since Sunday’s reshuffle, Reti told the Northern Advocate that staying in Cabinet is key for his role as Whangārei MP, as well as his national responsibilities.

“It is important for the people of Whangārei, that their voice is still heard at a Cabinet level and import for the portfolios that I have, that their voice is carried to the top table.”

Of his time as Health Minister, Reti said his work re-establishing health targets will set a good foundation for the health sector to move forward. The targets include faster cancer treatment, less time in emergency departments, and shorter waits for specialist appointments and elective surgery.

“Minister Brown will bring his skills to the portfolio and advance that at pace,” he said.

Reti said he is also proud of bringing in funding for cancer drugs, increasing the breast cancer screening age and campaigning for more action on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Progressing work on the Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards will make a difference to Māori health in a way the Māori Health Authority could not, he said.

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti turns the first sod of the new child health centre, an enabling project for the Whangārei Hospital redevelopment. Photo / Denise Piper

“It will be a true devolution of decision-making that will make a difference – Māori are excited for that.”

He also acknowledged the work of all health workers, saying their contribution was “superb” under his hands and thanking them for continuing their work under Brown.

Reti said he is looking onwards and upwards, giving his full support to Brown as the new Health Minister and Christopher Luxon as PM.

He said he is excited to contribute to the coalition Government’s economic growth agenda, particularly through science and technology.

Whangārei Hospital rebuild still on track

Closer to home, Reti said the planned $759 million Whangārei Hospital rebuild continues to progress and should not have any changes with the change in Health Minister.

In December, he turned the first sod on a new $35m child health centre, which is needed to make way for the key part of the rebuild: a new acute services building.

“Everything has fallen into line towards the timing of that big build ... There’s no indication at all there are any changes to the timeline of the major build.”

Simeon Brown said he is receiving briefings from officials and stakeholders over the coming days and weeks. He expected to have more to say on the Whangārei Hospital rebuild, and other issues across the health portfolios, following his formal appointment as Minister of Health on Friday.

Reti said as well as feeling privileged to serve as Health Minister, he is privileged to be the MP for Whangārei and to be Whangārei’s voice in the Government.

He will continue to set aside Fridays, plus time on weekends, to meet with Whangārei constituents and hear their concerns, he said.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.