Leader of ACT party takes over as New Zealand deputy PM

WELLINGTON, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government marked its midterm milestone with a change in the deputy prime ministership, as ACT Party leader David Seymour officially replaced New Zealand First's Winston Peters in the role on Saturday.

The mid-term handover, part of a coalition agreement signed after the 2023 election, was completed at the governor-general's residence in Auckland, part of a coalition agreement signed after the 2023 election.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has continued to describe the role as largely ceremonial, a remark dismissed by both Seymour and Peters, according to a report by Radio New Zealand (RNZ).

RNZ quoted Seymour as saying that the role would not change his directness, and that his key responsibilities -- regulation, education, finance, and health -- remain unchanged.

Peters, now freed from official duties, shifted focus to the next election, RNZ reported. Enditem