Chris Bishop has been named the Minister of Transport in the Government’s cabinet reshuffle this week.

He takes over from Simeon Brown, who becomes the new Minister of Health, following the demotion of Dr Shane Reti.

James Meager becomes an Associate Minister for Transport, replacing outgoing Associate Minister Matt Doocey.

Bishop is tasked with taking responsibility for an additional part of the Government’s ambitious infrastructure agenda, said Prime Minister Chris Luxon.

Bishop is also the Minister for Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for RMA Reform. He previously held the shadow transport portfolio while in opposition.

The transport sector is welcoming Bishop to his new role, while praising the work of the outgoing minister.

Transporting New Zealand chief executive Dom Kalasih said Brown made a lot of progress during his transport tenure.

“He refocused transport investment on the essentials, particularly road maintenance and improvements, road policing, and emphasis on achieving value for money,” Kalasih said.

“Over the past 12 months we’ve seen funding approved for Roads of National Significance projects including Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance and Hawke’s Bay Expressway.

“There has been fast-track consenting enabled for 29 key road, rail, and port projects, and substantial investment in road maintenance and pot-hole repair. This all bodes well for future growth and reflects the outgoing Minister’s focus on delivery.”

Kalasih said Brown and the Coalition Government had also committed to using additional revenue tools to help address the transport deficit, including increased use of tolling, enabling congestion charging, and moving petrol vehicles from fuel excise duty to a more equitable universal road user charging scheme.

“Given the country is facing a large transport funding deficit, the work Minister Brown and his Ministerial colleagues undertook around new revenue sources has been critically important. We need a constructive, bipartisan, discussion about how we fund the transport system into the future,” he said.

Kalasih said Bishop’s appointment will provide continuity to the portfolio.

“We look forward to working with the Minister to improve transport outcomes for the entire country, particularly lifting productivity, safety, and freight efficiency.”

National Road Carriers has thanked outgoing Brown for his work and dedication to the portfolio.

“We have enjoyed working with the Minister who has put in place strong roading and infrastructure strategies and a clear vision for the future,” said NRC chief executive e Justin Tighe-Umbers.

“We look forward to working with incoming Transport Minister Chris Bishop and keeping the momentum going.”

Motor Trade Association has told Bishop to keep his foot on the gas, urging the minister to continue the progress made by Brown.

MTA chief executive Lee Marshall praised Brown for his “pragmatic” decision-making and strong relationship with the sector during his tenure.

“We built a strong mutual respect and relationship with Simeon Brown when he was in opposition, and realised we shared the same visions and goals for the sector,” Marshall says.

With Bishop now taking the reins, MTA says it’s keen to establish a similar working relationship. “We look forward to enjoying the same productive relationship with Chris Bishop,” Marshall says. The association plans to engage with the new minister to share its blueprint for the industry and ensure the momentum continues.