After Wellington became capital of New Zealand in 1865, with the seat of government moving from Auckland to the new capital, some of the government ministries appointed an agent at Auckland. This was sometimes referred to as "Resident Minister for Auckland" in the contemporary media.[2][3] This was not a ministerial appointment, but instead a paid role for the government. Daniel Pollen held the role twice (1868–1869 and 1870–1873) and on both occasions, he resigned from the Legislative Council so that he could take on this role.[4] Confusingly, the 1869–1872 Fox Ministry appointed William Reeves as Resident Minister for Middle Island (December 1871 – September 1872) and unlike the Auckland role, that was a ministerial appointment.[5]
Fifth Labour Government (1999–2008)
Under Prime Minister Helen Clark, Judith Tizard first held the portfolio as "Minister assisting the Prime Minister on Auckland issues" from December 1999 until August 2002 until it was changed to "Minister for Auckland Issues", which she held from August 2002 until October 2007.[6][7]
Sixth Labour Government (2017–2023)
After a 15-year hiatus on the existence of a Minister for Auckland, newly elected Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, in his first cabinet designated Michael Wood as Minister for Auckland on 31 January 2023. Prime MinisterChris Hipkins stated that "When Auckland succeeds, the country succeeds. I know that the last few years have been particularly tough for the City of Sails" as a justification for his appointment.[8]
After controversies arose around conflicts of interest surrounding Michael Wood as the Minister for Transport, and further information was found about Michael Wood's supposed refusal on multiple occasions to declare conflicts of interests, he decided to step down as a Cabinet Minister after widespread pressure.
^Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First published in 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. p. 64. OCLC154283103.
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