Tauranga MP Simon Bridges has been moved to the front rank of John Key's new government.

As of this morning, Simon is promoted to Deputy Leader of The House and is the new Associate Minister of Justice and Minister of Transport.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.

This is in addition to his previously held portfolios of Energy and Resources, Labour, and Associate Minister for Climate Change.

Simon is among a number of ministers who Prime Minister John Key says are promoted either to the front bench or further up, to reflect strong performance in recent years and their promise for the future.

'Simon Bridges and Amy Adams are promoted to the front bench, both with significant new responsibilities. Ms Adams becomes Justice Minister and Mr Bridges Transport Minister,” says John today.

'Paula Bennett has been promoted to number five in the rankings, and picks up State Services, Social Housing and Associate Finance in addition to retaining her Local Government portfolio.

'Dr Jonathan Coleman becomes Minister of Health, and also picks up the Sport and Recreation portfolio, which will link nicely together.

'Christopher Finlayson remains Treaty Negotiations Minister and Attorney-General, while picking up significant new responsibilities in the intelligence area.

He becomes Minister in Charge of the NZ Security Intelligence Service and Minister Responsible for the GCSB, working closely with me in my new role as Minister for National Security and Intelligence.”

John admits there is still a lot of work ahead to continue implementing the National Part plans to build a stronger economy, reduce debt and create more jobs.

The new Ministry builds on the experience of the past two terms in office, combining experience with some fresh talent.

'A number of Ministers have had significant portfolio changes, reflecting the need to give Ministers new challenges as well as providing a fresh set of eyes in some portfolio areas,” adds John.

'Officials have examined models used overseas and what we are adopting is very similar to what is seen with our closest partners.”

Housing continues to be a key area of focus for the Government, says John. A Ministerial team of Bill English, Paula Bennett and Nick Smith has been assembled to lead that work.

Mr English will have direct responsibility for Housing New Zealand and Paula Bennett will focus on social housing, while Dr Smith will work on housing affordability and construction issues.

The Social Housing portfolio will have responsibility for the government's social housing functions, and for its relationship with the social housing sector.

Other changes include:

• Gerry Brownlee becomes Minister of Defence, while retaining the role of Leader of the House and his Canterbury Earthquake Recovery and EQC portfolios.

• Anne Tolley becomes Minister for Social Development.

• Dr Nick Smith becomes Minister for the Environment.

• Nikki Kaye becomes Minister for ACC.

• Michael Woodhouse becomes Minister of Police and Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety.

• Jo Goodhew becomes Minister for Food Safety.

Three new Ministers will be appointed. Maggie Barry is to go straight into Cabinet as Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Minister of Conservation and Minister for Senior Citizens, while Louise Upston and Paul Goldsmith will be Ministers outside Cabinet holding a variety of portfolios.

The new Ministry will be sworn in at Government House in Wellington at 11am on Wednesday morning.