WELLINGTON – New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced Thursday that Chris Penk will take over as the nation’s defense minister as part of a broader cabinet reorganization, placing a former military serviceman in charge of the country’s armed forces.
In the ministerial shake-up, Penk will join the Cabinet and assume control of multiple security-related departments, including Defense, the Government Communications Security Bureau, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, and Space operations.
“Chris’ time in the NZDF (New Zealand Defence Force) leaves him well-placed to lead the work our Government has done in raising the status and capability of our armed forces,” Luxon said in a statement.
The appointment occurs during a period when New Zealand is placing increased emphasis on military investment and defense capabilities. Last year, the government announced an ambitious plan to boost defense expenditures beyond 2% of the nation’s GDP over the next eight years, backed by NZ$9 billion ($5.2 billion) in additional funding.
Penk will succeed outgoing Defense Minister Judith Collins, who is stepping down from Parliament. The prime minister also revealed adjustments to various other ministerial roles, affecting the energy, public service, and Pacific peoples portfolios.
