The new year brought a new minister for the South Island, for the first time ever.
In the role is Rangitata MP, James Meager.
The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, said there was a minister for Auckland and he wanted the same voice for the South Island, albeit outside of Cabinet.
James Meager has said he wants to get around every part of the South Island and work out what the priorities are.
He joins Kathryn to talk about the new role and what he wants to achieve.
