This week 18th ranked National MP Pansy Wong resigned from her two ministerial portfolios; Women’s Affairs and Ethnic Affairs, after it was revealed she usedtaxpayer money for private purposes, as part of the controversial MPs’ travel perk.
An official announcement of the new minister is likely after the Mana by election this Saturday in the interim Georgina Te Heuheu (ranked 15th) is the acting Minister of Women’s Affairs
Mrs Wong resignation may open opportunities for List MP, Hekia Parata to move up the Party ranks.
Ms Parata former public servant and business women is standing as the National candidate in the Mana by election against Labour candidate Kris Fa’afoi, Independent Matt Mc Carten and Green candidate Jan Logie.