Sir Fresh announces the formation of the 8th Official Opposition.

“Good afternoon all. The results of the government formation period are clearly not what I, or my colleagues in National Party, had hoped for. While I know that many New Zealanders are disappointed with the return of a Green-led government, there have been more than a few political developments which might act to soften the blow. We’ve seen National and the centre gain at the expense of the Greens and the far left. A political party aligned with the goal of centre-right governance, ACT New Zealand, has re-entered Parliament. Both United Future and the Opportunities Party preferred a National-led government over one led by the increasingly radical Greens. And despite the Labour Party forcing their hand, both /u/silicon_based_life and /u/Electrumns have done commendable work in moderating much of the Green Party’s socialist agenda. Of course, there’s still plenty of work to be done from the opposition benches, and that is a task which I take up eagerly.

“Despite the fact that this government controls a substantial majority of seats in the House, the 45.5% of New Zealand who would've preferred National in the Beehive shows that the Greens’ mandate to govern isn’t as large as they might think. My pledge to the New Zealand people, with special consideration to that 45%, is to ensure that they get a government they are comfortable with. This Official Opposition will work to oppose the government where we must, and moderate it where we are able to. We’ll work with the centre to ensure that the wishes of their voters are respected, with acknowledgement given to the necessary decisions which preceded the formation of this government. We’ll put forward our own legislative agenda and advocate for the principles of reasonable, centre-right governance. We’ll act as a government in waiting and prove that we can do the job better. And in the next election, we’ll fight harder than we ever have before.

“Now, the details of the 8th Official Opposition: I’m very pleased to say that National has come to an agreement with ACT New Zealand and /u/Abrokenhero will be joining us. While the venerable /u/FelineNibbler serves as the Speaker of the House, /u/Abrokenhero will act as the Shadow Leader of the House and Shadow Minister of Housing. Both National and ACT believe in serious reform of the Resource Management Act to increase the housing supply, and I expect that with a similar sentiment shared by a number of government MPs we will be able to make some headway in this area. As for the National Party members of the Shadow Cabinet, the Hon. /u/Mattsthetic and I will unsurprisingly be remaining in our positions as Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition. I will also be taking up the positions of Shadow Attorney-General, Shadow Minister of Business, and will remain in my role as Shadow Minister of Health. With my NZ Public Health and Disability (Meritocratic DHB Selection) Amendment Bill currently being read in the House, and my Judicial Commission Bill unfortunately gathering dust in the biscuit tin, my legislative focus this term will be on business and reducing red tape in that sector. /u/Mattsthetic will reprise his role as the “Minister of Affairs” by holding the Foreign and Internal Affairs portfolios, as well as picking up Culture. In this role he will hold the government to account with their record of inadequate foreign policy, and will urge them to take action on issues such as the legitimacy of the Venezuelan President.

“My colleague from Christchurch, /u/FinePorpoise, will hold three portfolios: Environment, Finance and Māori Affairs. Here he will advocate for a strong but sensible approach to climate change, fiscal responsibility and economic development, and real change for Māori communities. /u/PineappleCrusher_, after a commendable election campaign, will hold the government to account on crushing enemies abroad and criminals at home, through her role as Shadow Minister of Defence and of Justice. Having nearly ousted the now-Labour Leader in the left wing safe seat of Manukau, /u/TheAudibleAsh will represent the shadow Education and Transport & Infrastructure portfolios. /u/stranger195 will oppose the government’s regions-destroying policies in his role as Shadow Minister for Regional Development and for Primary Industries. Finally, /u/GynoTheBrainlet will be the Shadow Minister for Social Development.”

List of Portfolios:

Rt Hon. Sir Fresh3001:
- Leader of the Opposition.
- Shadow Attorney-General.
- Shadow Minister for Business.
- Shadow Minister of Health.

Hon. Mattsthetic
- Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
- Shadow Minister of Culture.
- Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- Shadow Minister of Internal Affairs.

Abrokenhero (ACT)
- Shadow Leader of the House.
- Shadow Minister of Housing.

FinePorpoise
- Shadow Minister for the Environment.
- Shadow Minister of Finance.
- Shadow Minister for Māori Affairs.

PineappleCrusher_
- Shadow Minister of Defence.
- Shadow Minister of Justice.

TheAudibleAsh
- Shadow Minister of Education.
- Shadow Minister of Transport & Infrastructure.

stranger195
- Shadow Minister for Primary Industries.
- Shadow Minister for Regional Development.

GynoTheBrainlet
- Shadow Minister for Social Development.