Labour first-term MP David Shearer and Sue Moroney were today promoted to the meaty education portfolio.
Labour leader Phil Goff today filled the roles made available with Darren Hughes' resignation from Parliament, following revelations he was being investigated about a sexual allegation.
An 18-year-old man made a complaint to police about an incident after a night out drinking, but Mr Hughes has denied any wrongdoing.
He was chief whip and education spokesman.
Mr Shearer takes on the tertiary education portfolio and Ms Moroney primary and secondary education, while Rick Barker will be chief whip.
Mr Shearer, who continues to hold the research, science and technology portfolio, said he did not ask for the role.
"I was given it and I'm very happy to take on the responsibility and I just hope I can do it the best I possibly can.
"I relish the opportunity at looking at skills training and ... growing New Zealand into a smart, green, clean economy and really taking it forward. This is the key portfolio for that," he said.
Mr Goff said Ms Moroney, current spokeswoman for early childhood education, had done a terrific job with her portfolio by working closely with families and people in the sector.
She has been promoted to the front bench, moving from ranking 14 to 12, leapfrogging Shane Jones who remains in the naughty corner at No 13 after using his ministerial credit card to buy porn movies.
Ms Moroney said she was delighted to be promoted to the crucial role, and was looking forward to working hard.
"As a parent with school-aged children I know what parents want from their school system and National isn't delivering it. Labour has a strong record on education and I am proud to have been chosen to work on this portfolio," she said.
The appointments mirror the Government's split portfolios, where Steven Joyce is Tertiary Education Minister and Anne Tolley is Education Minister.
Mr Goff said he decided to split the portfolios because of the lead-up to the election.
Mr Barker, who currently holds the role of assistance Speaker, will pass on that role to Ross Robertson and becomes chief whip.
Mr Goff said Mr Barker was the only name put forward for the job, and the caucus chose him unanimously.
Steve Chadwick remains in the junior whip position.
Other portfolio changes include Iain Lees-Galloway taking over as defence spokesman from Mr Shearer and Ms Chadwick taking over as associate health and senior citizens spokeswoman.
Under Labour's rules, the caucus appoints the chief whip, who is responsible for discipline, and Mr Goff decides who holds portfolios.
Labour's caucus met for the first time today since Mr Hughes' resignation, and Mr Goff said discussions were positive and constructive.
"I think at a personal level, I think there is huge sadness about that. He was a person well liked on both sides of the House.
"He was a competent member of Parliament and this has cut short his career."
Louisa Wall, 39, is expected to replace Mr Hughes in Parliament.
Mr Goff was unable to say who would take the list spot, but yesterday reiterated that Ms Wall would be the logical person to take over.