AusLeisure

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced his first major cabinet reshuffle since taking government more than a year ago.

Announced on Sunday, Prime Minister Luxon has named Louise Upston as Minister for Hospitality and Tourism and Mark Mitchell as Minister for Sport and Recreation.

As part of the Cabinet reshuffle, former Minister Mat Doocey has stepped down from the Hospitality and Tourism portfolio, marking the end of his time as the first Minister to hold this dedicated portfolio.

Mark Mitchell adds the Sport and Recreation portfolios to his role as Minister for Corrections, Police and Emergency Management.

In becoming Minister for Sport and Recreation, he replaces Chris Bishop, as well as becoming Minister for ethnic communities, a role previously held by the outgoing Melissa Lee who exits Cabinet.

Hospitality New Zealand acknowledged Minister Doocey's contribution as Minister for Hospitality and Tourism since his appointment in December 2023.

Hospitality NZ Chief Executive, Steve Armitage stated "as the first Minister for Hospitality and Tourism, Minister Doocey has done a great job of bringing attention to the important role hospitality plays in communities across New Zealand. His leadership has created real momentum for our industry.

 “We particularly acknowledge his work on the Hospitality Summit held at Parliament in December 2024, where important steps were taken to address challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth. His efforts have laid a strong foundation for the future.”

With Minister Upston having said she is on a 90-day mission to boost visitor numbers, with Australia her target market, Armitage added “with significant opportunities on the horizon, many of which stem from the Hospitality Summit, the hospitality sector looks forward to partnering with Minister Upston to deliver tangible outcomes that benefit both industry participants and the communities they serve.

“The hospitality industry is a cornerstone of local economies and social connection, and we look forward to working closely with the incoming Minister to champion its future growth and success.”

Images: Louise Upston and Mark Mitchell.

Related Articles

30th December 2024 - ExerciseNZ calls on New Zealanders to set exercise goals that stick in 2025

18th December 2024 - New Zealand’s working visa change welcomed by tourism industry

14th December 2024 - New appointments to the board of Sport New Zealand to promote physical activity

9th December 2024 - New Zealand Government appoints new Climate Change Commission Chair

4th December 2024 - International visitors spend $11.7 billion in New Zealand in year to September

6th November 2024 - Tourism Industry Aotearoa white paper suggests big changes looming for New Zealand tourism industry

20th September 2024 - Tourism in focus at Pacific Ministers’ meet-up

4th September 2024 - International tourism to New Zealand rebounds in last financial year

9th August 2024 - New Zealand Government increases fees for visitor and working holiday visas

14th March 2024 - New Zealand Government suspends Significant Natural Areas requirement

18th December 2023 - Report advises of positive impact of FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup on New Zealand

25th November 2023 - Cabinet posts announced for New Zealand’s incoming Government

24th November 2023 - Business Events Industry calls for recognition from new New Zealand Government

2nd November 2023 - Sport New Zealand looks to promote ‘under threat’ childrens play

3rd October 2023 - New Zealand Government to back Ruapehu Alpine Lifts operations with further $7.35 million

17th March 2023 - Sport New Zealand announces new governance entity Te Taumata Māori

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.