Dr Ayesha Verrall, formerly of Te Anau, will support Conservation Minister Kiri Allan while Allan takes leave of absence to undergo medical treatment for cervical cancer.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Tuesday (April 6) that Kiri Allan, Minister of Conservation and Emergency Management, would be going on leave.

“I consider Kiri not just a colleague, but a friend. This news has been devastating. But I also know that Kiri is a person of determination, and as we’ve talked over the past few days I can hear how focused she is on her treatment, and ultimately her return,” Jacinda Ardern said.

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“Kiri’s Parliamentary family will do everything possible to support her during her treatment and recovery.

“Until Kiri is able to return to work I am appointing Acting Ministers to her portfolios.

“Kris Faafoi will be Acting Minister of Emergency Management. He has held the portfolio previously so brings knowledge and experience with him to the Acting role.

“Ayesha Verrall will be the Acting Minister of Conservation and Peeni Henare will be Acting Associate Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage.  

“I look forward to welcoming Kiri back on the team and into Cabinet upon her return,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Kiri has asked for privacy as she and her whanau focus on her care and recovery. 

Dr Verrall's other portfolios are Minister of Seniors and Minister of Food Safety. She is also Associate Minister of Health and Associate Minister of Research, Science and Innovation.

She grew up in Te Anau and studied medicine at Otago University before moving to Wellington.

She is a infectious diseases doctor and an expert on vaccines, tuberculosis and COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic response, Dr Verrall was instrumental in efforts to improve New Zealand’s contact tracing.