The Prime Minister won't be drawn on whether Dr Ayesha Verrall could be her next Health Minister.

Verrall's landed at number 18 on the Labour Party list - only one place behind Health Minister David Clark.

The infectious diseases expert rose to prominence during New Zealand's fight against covid-19.

Jacinda Ardern says Cabinet decisions will be made if Labour's reelected.

"I'm not going to get into any speculation on a future Cabinet Needless to say we have excellent talent in our existing Cabinet,  and excellent prospects for our future Cabinet." 

Labour Party President Claire Szabo says there's a deliberate focus on health in the party list. 

"It's clear that the need for health is something that New Zealanders value and that the government needs to prioritise, and you will see our strengthened health team in this line-up."

However, she told Heather Du Plessis-Allan people need to remember the list includes everyone they want to send to parliament but their ranting isn't decided till they get there.

"The fact that we've put Ayesha there at number 18, that's a strong indication that the party wants to send her to Parliament.

"What it doesn't mean is that, once you gt there, it will be the Prime Minister's job to decide where in the team to deploy her." 

• Labour list: Clark demoted, infectious disease specialist given high spot

Verall told media it's an honour to be selected for the Party's list.

"If elected to Parliament, I'd like to bring my knowledge and skills to the ongoing fight against the virus, as Covid still exists in the world beyond our shores."