An up-and-coming minister speculated to be among those promoted in Christopher Luxon’s Cabinet reshuffle today has confirmed he received a phone call from the Prime Minister with what will be announced.

Meanwhile, Beehive insiders have told the Herald Chris Bishop, who holds portfolios including transport and housing, is unhappy with the reshuffle decision.

James Meager, currently a minister outside Cabinet, told the Herald this morning he had a conversation with Luxon last night, describing the Prime Minister as in “really good spirits”.

“He told me what he was going to announce today,” Meager said.

Asked if that included him moving into Cabinet, the minister said: “I guess we will wait and see”.

The Beehive has confirmed the reshuffle will be announced at 10.30am today.

As the Herald reported this morning, reshuffles are usually intended to reward the hardworking and successful, and draw a line under careers that are faltering, cauterising their performance from that of the Government as a whole.

They can inspire loyalty from the backbench who can see that hard work gets rewarded, while minimising disloyalty from those who inevitably lose out.

James Meager is currently a minister outside Cabinet, holding roles including Minister for Youth. Photo / Mark Mitchell 

Chris Penk is another minister outside Cabinet who is likely to be high on the list for a promotion. With Judith Collins retiring, it is believed Penk could take on her Defence portfolio. Penk, a Defence Force veteran, is currently associate Defence Minister.

He told the Herald today he spoke with the Prime Minister “reasonably regularly”.

“Obviously, I don’t divulge the contents of those conversations,” Penk said.

As to whether he is joining Cabinet, Penk said: “Any decisions he’s made in that space, he’ll no doubt tell everyone in due course”.

He said he was off to “get on with a normal day’s work”.

Chris Penk could become New Zealand's next Defence Minister. Photo / Annaleise Shortland 

Nicola Grigg, a minister outside Cabinet, laughed when the Herald asked if she was joining Cabinet today.

“I think you’ll find out when the [press release] goes out... I am not going to tell you guys that. You are just going to have to wait for the announcement... you know the game, you wait to the announcement comes out.”

Nicola Grigg joined Parliament in 2020. Photo / Claire Trevett 

Catherine Wedd is an MP who entered Parliament in 2023, representing the seat of Tukituki. She’s the chair of the Environment Select Committee and has received some attention for her Member’s Bill to restrict young people under the age of 16 from accessing social media.

Asked whether she was in line today to be announced as a new minister, Wedd responded that she was “just focused on getting to my select committee this morning”.

“Got a lot going on on the Environment Select Committee. Keeping our heads down and it will be another really busy day in Parliament. Just focused on the job right now, that’s for sure.”

Suze Redmayne, the MP for Rangitīkei, is one of National’s whips.

Asked if she was in for a promotion today, she said reporters would have to wait and see. When it was pointed out that that wasn’t a no, she quickly said, “oh, it’s a no”.

Jamie Ensor is the NZ Herald’s chief political reporter, based in the press gallery at Parliament. He was previously a TV reporter and digital producer in the Newshub press gallery office. He was a finalist in 2025 for Political Journalist of the Year at the Voyager Media Awards.