National leader John Key says he will take on the tourism portfolio if his party wins the election.
It is normal for the prime minister to take on a portfolio in addition to their responsibility as minister for the Security Intelligence Service.
Prime Minister Helen Clark is also minister of arts and culture, and before her Jenny Shipley was minister of women’s affairs.
Going back further, David Lange was education minister and Sir Robert Muldoon held the finance portfolio.
Key today said he was keen to take on tourism — one of New Zealand’s largest sectors.
“I think it’s a tremendously important portfolio,” he told reporters.
“I think it’s about the branding of New Zealand and for New Zealand to really grow and expand in an area where we have a competitive advantage.
He said he would deliver a speech later in the week spelling out some of his ideas for tourism.
NZPA
