Nicola Willis will take over the Finance portfolio left vacant by Simon Bridges' upcoming departure from politics.
Nicola Willis Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop will move into the number three spot on the party list, and will also pick up Bridges' Infrastructure role and take over Willis' Housing portfolio.
Shane Reti has been moved from number five to number four on the list, with Paul Goldsmith - previously at number 12, to number five.
National Party leader Christopher Luxon announced the moves this morning saying Willis, his deputy leader, had "incredible intellect, prodigious work ethic and proven ability to hold the government to account".
He said Willis would build on National's track record "as the best economic managers to help Kiwis get ahead", noting her previous experience on the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee and senior management roles at Fonterra.
She is a Wellington-based second-term MP, and will be the seventh in the role to face off against Finance Minister Grant Robertson.
She yesterday told RNZ's First Up the costs of living was increasing across the board, and consumers were paying the price for government taxes.
She said the party would not change New Zealand's straightforward, blanket approach to GST, but changing tax brackets in line with National's proposals would offer people some relief.
"Our package would give the average wage earner $870 per year, the average superannuitant couple $540 per year.
"We think it's a question of priorities. Is this the time for the government to be spending exorbitant sums on things like health restructures, or is this actually a time when New Zealanders need some relief so that they can afford to keep up with the cost of living."