Labour reshuffle sees Willow-Jean Prime lose education, Peeni Henare’s portfolios doled out
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has unveiled a substantial reshuffle of portfolios within the Labour Party caucus, ahead of the departure of Peeni Henare and Duncan Webb.
The changes include the removal of Willow-Jean Prime from the education portfolio, after she faced severe criticism for attacking the Government’s NCEA changes after not accepting a briefing on them.
Ginny Anderson is picking up the education portfolio.
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Prime picks up social development, previously held by Willie Jackson, while keeping an associate education (Māori) role.
Vanushi Walters picks up the foreign affairs portfolio from Henare, alongside the intelligence agencies portfolios from Priyanca Radhakrishnan, who is gaining ACC.
His defence portfolio is handed over to Damien O’Connor.
Walters enters the front bench at rank 12, according to the graphic released by the Labour Party, a huge shift up 21 spots in the rankings.
Hipkins said the changes would ensure the team would “hit the ground running when we win the election in November”.
“Vanushi Walters picks up Foreign Affairs, as well as the NZSIS and GCSB portfolios, bringing her international law experience to the role.
“Reuben Davidson becomes spokesperson for Economic Development - a critical portfolio as we focus on tackling the cost-of-living crisis that National is making worse.
“Willie Jackson is taking on Māori Crown Relations and Associate Health (Māori) portfolios, reflecting his key role and focus on running a winning campaign for the Māori seats this year.
“Willow-Jean Prime will become spokesperson for Social Development and Employment - a portfolio that requires care, empathy, and a strong focus on improving outcomes for New Zealanders.
“She will continue to hold Associate Education (Māori), as Ginny Andersen takes on the broader Education portfolio.
“Georgie Dansey will pick up the Rainbow Issues and Regulation portfolios, and Dan Rosewarne will be spokesperson for Rural Communities and Small business once he is sworn in.”