First-term MP ‘excited’ for new portfolios

Newly appointed Minister for the South Island James Meager (left) and Minister of Transport...
Newly appointed Minister for the South Island James Meager (left) and Minister of Transport Simeon Brown discuss the potential new ‘‘Brown’s Bridge’’ in Ashburton earlier this month. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
James Meager’s star is rising as he goes from a first-term MP to a minister with three portfolios.

The Rangitata MP was a winner in the political career stakes as Prime Minister Chris Luxon announced a Cabinet reshuffle on Sunday.

Mr Meager is now a minister outside of cabinet after being given the new title of Minister for the South Island.

He also takes on the youth and hunting and fishing portfolios and associate transport role.

The first-term MP was attending the Black Clash cricket match in Christchurch on Saturday night when he got the call from Luxon.

"[I was] a little bit surprised but very excited to take on the new roles," Mr Meager said.

"I see it as a vote of confidence."

Mr Meager said he had initially discussed with Mr Luxon and National’s deputy leader Nicola Willis about the new South Island post.

Two major priorities were to ensure the South Island had a voice in government decisions and supporting Ms Willis’ economic growth plan, he said.

"I’m always going to wear my colours on my sleeve as a parochial advocate for Mid and South Canterbury, but it is a South Island-wide focus."

The South Island was critical to any economic growth plan, he said.

Mr Meager said he planned to meet local government leaders from across the South Island to establish what their priorities were.

As Youth Minister he was keen to focus on youth employment, mental health and "what children are leaving our education system with to operate in the real world".

He is yet to discuss the associate transport role with new Transport Minister Chris Bishop around "what it is he wants me to focus on".

As far as his personal ambitions go, Mr Meager is solely focusing on his newly-allocated roles and nothing else for now.

Asked what these goals might be and whether he could one day be the country’s Prime Minister, he laughed.

"I think I will be the Minister for the South Island, Minister for Youth and Minister for Hunting and Fishing and associate Transport Minister.

"I have a lot of ambition to fulfil those roles to the best of my abilities, and that’s what I will be focused on."

In reaction to the news, Business Canterbury chief executive Leeann Watson said it was great to see a South Island ministerial portfolio established.

"The South Island’s contribution to the New Zealand economy is something we’ve been discussing with the government, alongside the need for focused investment to support our growth, so it’s great to see this commitment.

"Having a ministerial cheerleader who is also the associate Minister of Transport, we hope, will lead to a better all-of-government approach to Canterbury and the South Island, and a regulatory environment more tailored to us and our desire for policy that better enables innovation, productivity and sustainable growth."

In a statement Fish & Game chief executive Corina Jordan said the organisation was looking forward to working with the new minister.

"Minister Meager is a keen outdoors enthusiast and we look forward to working closely with him to help support recreational hunters and anglers, enhance public access to natural resources, protect our natural environments and the valued introduced species that live there.

"The portfolio reflects Fish & Game’s vision for a New Zealand where hunting and fishing traditions thrive, and all New Zealanders enjoy access to a healthy environment and sustainable wild fish and game resources." 

— APL