Announcing his Cabinet today Prime Minister-elect John Key showed a business-like style, putting a heavier emphasis on talent than experience in Parliament.
Mr Key highlighted the fact that 14 people in the 20-strong Cabinet had not served as ministers before; five entered Parliament in 2005 and one just this month.
Some older and experienced hands who had not shone in Opposition, such as Maurice Williamson, Richard Worth and John Carter, were made ministers outside of Cabinet.
He said all members of the caucus wanted roles.
"I am the sort of person who is going to reward people if I think they've got the skills and I am not afraid to back and support some people ... I don't seem them as risks."
Steven Joyce is a fresh MP coming in this month.
"Steven is someone who comes into our caucus with a huge amount of historical experience in business," Mr Key said.
In the inexperienced block was Paula Bennett who got social development. Mr Key noted she had the life experience of having been a single mum but also: "She's got the communications skills, she's demonstrated to us she's got the work ethic... and also the empathy."
Kate Wilkinson's record as an employment lawyer stood her in good stead.
"She's already demonstrated to us (the ability to deal) with a very high workload."
Experienced, effective MPs got the tough roles. One such was Nick Smith who will hold the environment, climate change and ACC roles.
Mr Key said opening ACC up to competition would be "grunty work. It needs someone who has the academic ability to do that. I wanted someone who could come into that with a blend of parliamentary experience and also some history of what had gone on, but also not with preconceived ideas..."
Tim Groser's experience as a diplomat and trade negotiator would be utilised. Among his roles were trade and associate climate change.
"I think we are very lucky to have someone with that international experience and skills."
Another different style approach was to have a relatively small Cabinet with few associate minister roles.
"I've deliberately cut down the number of associates because they all in the end need servicing and they all add to greater complexity in the Cabinet and I am interested in outcomes and results and accountability and that's what I am going to demand."
Mr Key also avoided expanding the executive by appointing parliamentary under-secretaries.
He would assess people's workloads after six months and if needed would make more appointments.
