Melissa Lee has been removed from the broadcasting portfolio in a significant reshuffle by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Paul Goldsmith has been appointed to oversee the Media and Communications portfolio.

Penny Simmonds has been relieved of her duties as Disabilities Minister.

Louise Upston will now assume responsibility for that portfolio.

The changes follow Lee’s failure to address key issues confronting the media industry in New Zealand with commentators, both on the left and right of the political spectrum critisising her recent interviews.

Penny Simmonds’ tenure saw notable reductions in funding to the disability sector, initially reported by Chris Lynch Media.