Tauranga MP Simon Bridges has been appointed a minister outside cabinet in a reshuffle to reallocate the portfolios held by Nick Smith.
Prime Minister John Key announced on Monday Mr Bridges would hold consumer affairs and associate transport, taking over those portfolios from Chris Tremain.
Mr Tremain, currently a minister outside cabinet, will move up to become a cabinet minister holding internal affairs.
That portfolio is being given up by Amy Adams, who becomes environment minister - one of the important portfolios held by Dr Smith.
His second major portfolio, local government, goes to Primary Industries Minister David Carter.
Tim Groser, minister in charge of international climate change negotiations, takes over the domestic climate change portfolio held by Dr Smith.
Mr Bridges has been overlooked in previous reshuffles and Mr Key says he has proved himself as an able caucus member.
Dr Smith resigned last month because he wrote a letter supporting an ACC claimant when he was minister of ACC.
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