Clark names her ?transition? cabinet

Wellington
Prime Minister Helen Clark has retained all her ministers in a reshuffle which delays big changes until after the victory she anticipates at next year's general election.
She has signalled, in some key portfolios, what those changes would be and saidher decisions were "a balance between continuity and transition".
There are numerous shifts in secondary responsibilities, and the only ministers entirely unaffected are Health Minister Annette King, Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff and Police Minister George Hawkins.
However, Transport Minister Pete Hodgson has been given an associate health role and Miss Clark said Ms King was likely to "move to other areas" in a post-election cabinet.
Education Minister Trevor Mallard remains in that portfolio but David Benson-Pope, a former teacher, has been brought in as his associate with responsibility for the entire compulsory sector so he will be ready to take over post-election.
The cabinet will shrink from 20 to 18 because Miss Clark has not replaced Attorney-General Margaret Wilson or John Tamihere.
Ms Wilson will become Parliament's Speaker next year, and Mr Tamihere resigned while allegations about his golden handshake were investigated and the Serious Fraud Office inquires into issues within the Waipareira Trust.
Miss Clark said she needed room to move because she might need to accommodate a large coalition partner after the election.
Miss Clark said all her ministers had been prepared to change their portfolios if she had asked them to.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen is taking over as attorney-general, and Miss Clark dismissed suggestions that the legal fraternity might be dismayed because he is not a lawyer.
Dr Cullen has also voiced criticism of the judiciary in recent months. Defence Minister Mark Burton is taking over Treaty of Waitangi negotiations, the other portfolio Ms Wilson held.
Miss Clark said she had full confidence Mr Burton could handle the delicate treaty portfolio. "I've known him for many years...he is very patient."
Social Services Minister Steve Maharey takes over science and technology from Mr Hodgson, and gives away tertiary education to Mr Mallard. There are no changes in the cabinet rankings.-NZPA