Labour's reaction to Prime Minister Bill English's new cabinet is that it doesn't signal the fresh approach that had been promised.

"This is not the rejuvenation Bill English promised," said Labour's deputy leader Annette King.

"It's underwhelming, it's a combination of the conservative, vindictiveness and mateship."

READ MORE: Bill English reveals new cabinet

Ms King says there's just one new minister in the cabinet and three new ones outside it.

"And he's demoted his rivals Judith Collins and Jonathan Coleman," she said.

Ms Collins has dropped two places in the rankings and Dr Coleman one place.

Ms King says the change of name in Nick Smith's portfolio from building and housing to building and construction is an attempt by the government to deny there's a crisis in housing.

"The cosmetic change to Smith's title changes nothing," she said.

"More and more New Zealanders will see the Kiwi dream of owning your own home slipping away."