In something of a surprise move, long-term Rongotai MP Annette King (67) was elected deputy leader, while retaining her health portfolio duties.
Mrs King had been acting deputy leader while the leadership contest took place over the previous four weeks.
She made such a good impression on party members, Mr Little was unable to overlook her for the role.
It is also possible Mr Little has done a deal to line himself up for the Rongotai electorate if Mrs King retires in 2017, ahead of Council of Trade Unions secretary Helen Kelly who was expected to stand this year.
Also, in a sign of mending bridges, the second-placed MP in the leadership contest, Grant Robertson, was promoted to the crucial role of finance spokesman, with close friend and supporter Dunedin North MP David Clark as his deputy.
Another failed leadership contender, Nanaia Mahuta, regained the Maori development portfolio and is ranked fourth on the front bench - a reward for her bringing back the Maori vote to Labour and also providing preference support for Mr Little in Labour's complicated leadership voting system.
In all, apart from Mr Little, the front bench contains a Maori female and male, a Pacific Island female and male, an older Pakeha woman, an Auckland male and young female, and three youngish white males - one of whom is gay.
Mr Little stopped his numbered list of MPs at 17, with the last four places filled by former leaders David Cunliffe, David Shearer and Phil Goff and former deputy leader and failed leadership contender David Parker.
Three of those four are not expected to last until 2017.
Elsewhere, Mr Little has given a clear hint to some MPs their time may be up.
Ruth Dyson, Damien O'Connor, Clayton Cosgrove, Sue Moroney and Clare Curran must wonder what they need to do to get back to the top.
Ms Dyson is Canterbury earthquake recovery spokeswoman and will need to take on Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee head-on to make an impression.
Messrs O'Connor and Cosgrove are well to the right of Mr Little politically.
Supporters of other leadership contenders are also on the unranked list but have a chance to promote their causes with some strong portfolio responsibilities.
In particular, Napier MP Stuart Nash will want to make a mark on his return to Parliament but may struggle with forestry and energy as his main priorities.
Trevor Mallard, who survived a strong campaign by National to unseat him at the last election, is assistant speaker and is back in his beloved sports and recreation role.
Mr Little said talented up-and-comers Carmel Sepuloni, Kelvin Davis and Mr Clark were taking key roles on his front bench.
''This is an exciting new line-up and I'm looking forward to getting back to business.''
