By Political Editor Duncan Garner
John Key must be hoping his new Cabinet lineup plays a similar blinder to the Black Caps’ performance today.
Today he promoted three new stars onto the front bench.
Steven Joyce is now ranked fourth - he gets a range of ministerial jobs, all to do with creating economic growth.
Hekia Parata at seven takes over education, replacing Anne Tolley whose approach to the job won her few friends.
And Paula Bennett's tough talk on welfare sees her and her social development portfolio rise to a front bench spot at 9.
• View the full Cabinet list
• Full interview with Hekia Parata
• Duncan Garner, Patrick Gower discuss the reshuffle
Of the promotions, Ms Parata’s was the biggest. After just three years as an MP she is now on the front bench as Education Minister.
“I'm excited and honoured - it's a great job the Prime Minister has given me.”
Mr Key said he wanted to “freshen the front bench”.
He has also done that by promoting Mr Joyce to fourth on the list, he moves up from 14th last time and takes on science and innovation.
Ms Parata moves up to seventh from 20th last time. And Ms Bennett moves to ninth from 16th - and will oversee the welfare reforms.
The new ministers inside Cabinet are Amy Adams and Craig Foss.
Mr Key is heaping praise on Mr Joyce and Ms Parata especially.
He says Mr Joyce had a “tremendous” first term, and says Ms Parata will do big things.
“I think she will be a stellar Minister of Education and will make great gains.”
Ms Parata says she wants to focus on the kids who are failing.
“For one in five they do not have a good experience, mainly Maori, Pasifika and low income - I want to tackle that with urgency.”
Ms Adams will help Gerry Brownlee with the Christchurch rebuild.
She has also had an impressive first term.
Among those to lose ground are former education minister Anne Tolley, who picks up police and corrections but goes off the front bench and drops to 13th.
Nick Smith also comes off the front bench and drops from sixth to 10th.
Mr Key defended both of them.
“It's not that she has done a poor job but Hekia has a real passion [and] it’s a tough portfolio and I want new and fresh energy.”
And Mr Smith:
“Everyone would rather be higher - he is pleased to be in Cabinet,” says Mr Key.
There are three new ministers outside Cabinet: Chris Tremain, Jo Goodhew and Chester Borrows.
And in the "hanging on" department - long time MP Maurice Williamson stays on as a minister outside Cabinet.
“Maurice did a great job and didn't put a foot wrong.”
And Mr Key is making it clear to all his ministers what their job is.
“We are here to deliver results for New Zealand."
Now the hard work begins.
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