Newly appointed South Island Minister James Meager has expressed excitement and determination as he steps into his new role, describing it as a unique opportunity to ensure the South Island’s voice is heard in Wellington and around the Cabinet table.
Meager revealed to chrislynchmedia.com that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon approached him the evening before the announcement.
“The Prime Minister gave me a call and said he wanted me to take on this role. I was really excited about it,” he said.
While the specifics of the portfolio are still being refined, Meager has already identified key priorities, including addressing transport resilience and infrastructure challenges. He pointed to issues such as the long-discussed second Ashburton bridge and the broader need to strengthen transport links across the South Island to support economic growth.
“If we’re looking at growing the South Island, we need to get our goods to market, move people around the region, and ensure we’re not hindered by severe weather events or unreliable air and shipping routes,” he said. “Transport is a critical enabler of growth.”
CHRIS LYNCH FULL VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH SOUTH ISLAND MINISTER JAMES MEAGER AT 7PM ACROSS ALL OF LYNCH’S CHANNELS
Meager, who hails from Timaru, believes improving infrastructure will not only boost economic development but also create vibrant communities. “To attract families, jobs, and opportunities, we need great public services, recreational spaces, and a strong sense of regional pride.”
Reflecting on the South Island’s relationship with central government, Meager acknowledged that residents have often felt overlooked. However, he believes this perception is partly due to the South Island’s fiercely independent nature. “We’re very parochial down here. We’re mainlanders—we just get on with the job,” he said. Meager added that the South Island has consistently “punched above its weight” in sectors such as tourism and agriculture, and he is optimistic about its future.
Meager admitted that becoming a minister, especially one with a South Island-specific portfolio, wasn’t something he had anticipated this early in his political career.
However, he sees the role as vital to achieving the government’s goals. “Economic growth in New Zealand depends on growth in the South Island,” he said. “This role gives me the chance to go out, listen to people, and ensure the government is doing everything it can to support that growth.”
While the South Island ministerial position sits outside Cabinet, Meager doesn’t believe it limits his influence. “I’ve got a mandate to work with other ministers and ensure the South Island’s priorities are well understood,” he said. Meager highlighted his collaboration with the Canterbury Mayoral Forum and other stakeholders as key to achieving results.
“I might not sit at the main Cabinet meeting, but my job is to advocate for decisions that impact the South Island. That’s where my focus will be.”
“I call Timaru the Remuera of the South, and I’d love to extend that metaphor to the entire South Island,” he said with a smile.
“This is a great opportunity to deliver real results for the South Island, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
