The Labour Party is ramping up its opposition to the Government's education plans by dedicating a new role to tackle closures and mergers of schools in Christchurch.
Labour leader David Shearer said the education portfolio had grown to a size well beyond one or two MPs and he had appointed Chris Hipkins as spokesman on education in Christchurch.
Education is now the top priority for the party with most of its resources dedicated to battling National's moves on education under Hekia Parata.
Mr Shearer said the appointment of Mr Hipkins to the role was not a reshuffle of Labour's front bench or a threat to education spokeswoman Nanaia Mahuta's role.
"We needed to provide a focal point around Christchurch, which is a breaking issue, and that's why we appointed Chris."