Simeon Brown#Member of Parliament

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific-prefix = The Honourable

| name = Simeon Brown

| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=NZL|MP|size=100%}}

| image = BROWN, Simeon - Pakuranga (cropped).png

| imagesize =

| caption = Brown in 2023

| office = 45th Minister of Health

| term_start = 24 January 2025

| term_end =

| primeminister = Christopher Luxon

| predecessor = Shane Reti

| successor =

| office1 = 19th Minister for State Owned Enterprises

| term_start1 = 24 January 2025

| term_end1 =

| primeminister1 = Christopher Luxon

| predecessor1 = Paul Goldsmith

| successor1 =

| office2 = 4th Minister for Auckland

| term_start2 = 27 November 2023

| term_end2 =

| primeminister2 = Christopher Luxon

| predecessor2 = Carmel Sepuloni

| successor2 =

| office3 = 29th Minister of Transport

| term_start3 = 27 November 2023

| term_end3 = 24 January 2025

| primeminister3 = Christopher Luxon

| predecessor3 = David Parker

| successor3 = Chris Bishop

| office4 = 18th Minister for Energy

| term_start4 = 27 November 2023

| term_end4 = 24 January 2025

| primeminister4 = Christopher Luxon

| predecessor4 = Megan Woods

| successor4 = Simon Watts

| office5 = 22nd Minister of Local Government

| term_start5 = 27 November 2023

| term_end5 = 24 January 2025

| primeminister5 = Christopher Luxon

| predecessor5 = Kieran McAnulty

| successor5 = Simon Watts

| constituency_MP6 = {{NZ electorate link|Pakuranga}}

| term_start6 = 23 September 2017

| parliament6 = New Zealand

| majority6 = 10,050 (2020)

| predecessor6 = Maurice Williamson

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|4|8|df=y}}

| birth_place = Rotorua, New Zealand{{cite news |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/the-sure-things-simeon-brown |title=The Sure Things: Simeon Brown |date=14 June 2017 |work=Newsroom |first=Tim |last=Murphy}}

| residence =

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = National

| relations =

| profession =

| spouse = Rebecca

| children = 3

| website = simeonbrown.co.nz

| alma_mater = University of Auckland

| signature = Simeon Brown Signature.png

}}

Simeon Peter Brown{{cite web | url=https://search.parliament.nz/en/pb/daily-progress-in-the-house/daily-progress-for-tuesday-7-november-2017/ | title=Daily progress for Tuesday, 7 November 2017 | publisher=New Zealand Parliament | access-date=5 December 2017 | url-status=dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171206005740/https://search.parliament.nz/en/pb/daily-progress-in-the-house/daily-progress-for-tuesday-7-november-2017/ | archive-date=6 December 2017 | df=dmy-all }} (born 8 April 1991){{cite tweet |user=simeonbrownmp |number=1115154465198206976 |date=8 April 2019 |title=I did. I turned 28 today. Happy birthday to me.}} is a New Zealand politician and Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives for the National Party.

Early life and career

Brown was born in Rotorua in 1991. His family moved to Clendon Park, Auckland, in 2003, and he attended Manurewa High School.{{cite press release |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1406/S00345/national-selects-simeon-brown-as-manurewa-candidate.htm |title=National selects Simeon Brown as Manurewa candidate |date=21 June 2014 |accessdate=4 February 2024 |author=New Zealand National Party}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/350165243/win-and-prayer-how-simeon-brown-defying-his-reputation |title=Win and a prayer: how Simeon Brown is defying his reputation |first=Andrea |last=Vance |work=The Post |publisher=Stuff |date=2024-02-04 |accessdate=2024-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204110049/https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/350165243/win-and-prayer-how-simeon-brown-defying-his-reputation |archive-date=4 February 2024}} Brown's mother was Chair of the local residents' association, the Clendon Residents Group; Brown began attending meetings and became its secretary and, later, treasurer. He then chaired the inaugural Manurewa Youth Council.{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/aucklander/news/youth-council-to-help-solve-manurewa-problems/FVXTNC345YE2ZKZ7JG4OJBPCIY/ |title=Youth council to help solve Manurewa problems |work=The Aucklander |accessdate=4 February 2024}} In 2013, he was appointed to the Manurewa Local Board following the resignation of Daniel Newman.{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/manukau-courier/8459412/Forget-about-new-member?videoId=6323043583112 |title=Forget about new member |work=Manukau Courier |date=22 March 2013 |accessdate=4 February 2024 |first=Jay |last=Boreham}} In the 2013 elections, he was elected to a full term on the board, where he also served as deputy chair.{{cite news|last=Taylor|first=PJ|date=24 March 2017|title=Youthful banker gets nod in Pakuranga|work=Stuff|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/eastern-courier/90798390/youthful-banker-gets-nod-in-pakuranga|url-status=live|access-date=24 March 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171122154135/http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/eastern-courier/90798390/youthful-banker-gets-nod-in-pakuranga|archive-date=22 November 2017}}

Brown studied at the University of Auckland. There, he was president of the student anti-abortion group, ProLife Auckland, and saw through the affiliation of the group with the Auckland University Students' Association.{{Cite press release |author=ProLife Auckland|title=Pro-Life Club Affiliates at University of Auckland |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1005/S00120.htm |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422175609/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1005/S00120.htm|archive-date=22 April 2019|access-date=26 October 2017|website=Scoop}} The group was frequently challenged and disaffiliated in 2017 after a referendum by the student body.{{Cite news|title=Auckland University students vote to disaffiliate anti-abortion club|language=en|work=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/auckland-city-harbour-news/96230184/auckland-university-students-vote-to-disaffiliate-antiabortion-club|access-date=12 July 2024}} Brown graduated with a conjoint degree of a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws in 2016,{{cite web |url=https://graduatesearch.auckland.ac.nz/home |title=Graduate Search |publisher=University of Auckland |accessdate=4 February 2024}} then worked as a senior associate at the Bank of New Zealand.

Brown entered a submission to parliament in which he opposed the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013, which allows same-sex couples to legally marry.{{cite web|url=https://www.parliament.nz/resource/mi-nz/50SCGA_EVI_00DBHOH_BILL11528_1_A286888/daf254336f710589efcf736e921b79383a7b4ff1|title=Submission by Simeon Brown on the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Bill to the Government Administration Select Committee|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200703011955/https://www.parliament.nz/resource/mi-nz/50SCGA_EVI_00DBHOH_BILL11528_1_A286888/daf254336f710589efcf736e921b79383a7b4ff1|archive-date=3 July 2020|url-status=live}}

Brown stated, in an interview on his youth, that he was motivated to go into politics to stand up for the values of and fight for "hard work, personal responsibility and enterprise".{{Cite news|title=First-term MPs: Simeon Brown on his youth, synthetic drug law, and door-knocking|language=en|work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/09/first-term-mps-simeon-brown-on-his-youth-synthetic-drug-law-and-door-knocking.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915123835/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/09/first-term-mps-simeon-brown-on-his-youth-synthetic-drug-law-and-door-knocking.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 September 2020|access-date=22 November 2020}}

In 2014 he contested the parliamentary seat of {{NZ electorate link|Manurewa}} for the National Party, but lost to incumbent Labour MP Louisa Wall by a large margin, and his list placing of 64th on National's list meant he was not elected to Parliament.{{cite web|url=http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2011/electorate-24.html |title=Official Count Results – Manurewa (2014) |publisher=Electoral Commission|access-date=11 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118180523/https://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2011/electorate-24.html|archive-date=18 January 2020|url-status=live}}

Member of Parliament

{{NZ parlbox

|term=52nd

|start={{NZ election link year|2017}}

|end=2020

|list=60

|party=New Zealand National Party

|electorate={{NZ electorate link|Pakuranga}}

}}

{{NZ parlbox

|term=53rd

|start={{NZ election link year|2020}}

|end=2023

|list=37

|party=New Zealand National Party

|electorate=Pakuranga

}}

{{NZ parlbox

|term=54th

|start={{NZ election link year|2023}}

|end=present

|list=9

|party=New Zealand National Party

|electorate=Pakuranga

}}

=First term, 2017–2020=

Brown stood in the electorate of {{NZ electorate link|Pakuranga}} during the 2017 general election. The seat is a National Party safe seat - at the time Brown's predecessor Maurice Williamson had held it since 1987. Brown was selected as the National Party's candidate to replace Williamson after he decided not to seek re-election.{{cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11681442 |title=National and Pakuranga MP Maurice Williamson to leave Parliament |first=Nicholas |last=Jones |date=26 July 2016 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=26 July 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190402132715/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11681442|archive-date=2 April 2019|url-status=live}} Brown was elected with a majority of 14,886 votes.{{cite web|url= http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/electorate-details-38.html|title=E9 Statistics – Electorate Status|work=Electoral Commission|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200115201619/https://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/electorate-details-38.html|archive-date=15 January 2020|url-status=live}}

In February 2018, a private member's bill introduced by Brown was drawn from the ballot. The Bill would ensure that anyone who supplies drugs prohibited by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 receives a penalty consistent with the penalty prescribed for supplying a Class C Drug.{{cite web|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_76278/psychoactive-substances-increasing-penalty-for-supply|title=Bills (proposed laws)|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727051656/https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_76278/psychoactive-substances-increasing-penalty-for-supply|archive-date=27 July 2019|url-status=live}} The Bill was strongly supported by family members of synthetic cannabis victim Calum Jones{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11989063|title=Synthetics: Family of victim team up with MP on law-change push|first=Anna |last=Leask|date=6 February 2018|work=The New Zealand Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107195417/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11989063|archive-date=7 January 2019|url-status=live}} but voted down by Parliament.{{Cite web|title=Psychoactive Substances (Increasing Penalty for Supply and Distribution) Amendment Bill — Third Reading – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/combined/HansDeb_20190522_20190522_20|access-date=9 February 2022|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}

Brown voted against the Abortion Legislation Act 2020, which effectively sought to remove abortion from the Crimes Act 1961.{{cite news |last1=Walls |first1=Jason|title=How Members of Parliament voted in the first reading of the Abortion Legislation Bill|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12256951|access-date=8 August 2019|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=8 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920064105/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12256951|archive-date=20 September 2020}} Stuff political reporter Henry Cooke described the MP as "one of the most socially conservative MPs in [the National Party]".{{Cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/116622627/christopher-luxon-faces-a-real-challenge-in-national-party-selection|title=Christopher Luxon faces a real challenge in National Party selection|work=Stuff|language=en|access-date=8 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023133930/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/116622627/christopher-luxon-faces-a-real-challenge-in-national-party-selection|archive-date=23 October 2020|url-status=live}} He voted against the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Act 2022 prohibiting conversion therapy on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.{{Cite web|title=Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill — Second Reading|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/HansS_20220208_053640000/vote|access-date=9 February 2022|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}

=Second term, 2020–2023=

During the 2020 New Zealand general election, Brown was re-elected in Pakuranga by a large margin of 10,050 votes,{{cite web |title=Pakuranga – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-35.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=12 November 2020 }} making Pakuranga the safest seat for National in terms of the candidate vote.

In the November 2020 caucus reshuffle, led by National's leader Judith Collins, Brown was admitted to the Shadow Cabinet, ranking 20 on the National Party's list, and is now holding four shadow portfolios in Police, Serious Fraud Office, Youth and Corrections.{{Cite web|title=Our Team|url=https://www.national.org.nz/team|access-date=22 November 2020|publisher=New Zealand National Party|language=en}}

In early May 2021, Brown received several death threats following his criticism of Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson visiting a hui held by the Waikato Mongrel Mob. He had claimed that her visit was an insult to victims of gang-related crime.{{Cite news |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/police-arrest-man-after-death-threats-to-national-mp-simeon-brown/CLEQFQI4KUGOLC5EMSNH54WXYI/|title=Police arrest man after death threats to National MP Simeon Brown|date=7 May 2021|work=The New Zealand Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616174904/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/police-arrest-man-after-death-threats-to-national-mp-simeon-brown/CLEQFQI4KUGOLC5EMSNH54WXYI/|archive-date=16 June 2021|url-status=live}} In late May, Brown also received several threatening messages from Mongrel Mob members after he criticised a funeral procession in a tweet for allegedly taking over a road in Hawke's Bay. These comments were passed onto the Police.{{Cite news |last=Molyneux|first=Vita|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/05/national-mp-simeon-brown-receives-more-death-threats-from-mongrel-mob-after-criticising-funeral-procession.html|title=National MP Simeon Brown receives more death threats from Mongrel Mob after criticising funeral procession|date=26 May 2021|work=Newshub|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712010705/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/05/national-mp-simeon-brown-receives-more-death-threats-from-mongrel-mob-after-criticising-funeral-procession.html|archive-date=12 July 2021|url-status=dead}} Louise Hutchinson, the Public Liaison for the Waikato Mongrel Mob Kingdom, accused Brown of cultural insensitivity and of using gangs as a "politicking tool." Hutchinson also said that the Waikato Mongrel Mob Kingdom had repeatedly invited Brown and the National Party to meet with them but that these invitations had been declined.{{Cite news |last=Molyneux|first=Vita|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/05/waikato-mongrel-mob-accuses-national-mp-simeon-brown-of-using-gangs-as-political-tool.html|title=Waikato Mongrel Mob accuses National MP Simeon Brown of using gangs as political tool|work=Newshub|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615230745/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/05/waikato-mongrel-mob-accuses-national-mp-simeon-brown-of-using-gangs-as-political-tool.html|date=26 May 2021|archive-date=15 June 2021|url-status=dead}}

In February 2022, Brown was one of only eight MPs to vote against the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Act 2022.{{Cite news|date=15 February 2022|title=Politicians react as bill to ban conversion therapy passes|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/461599/politicians-react-as-bill-to-ban-conversion-therapy-passes|access-date=21 February 2022|work=Radio New Zealand|language=en-nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218050733/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/461599/politicians-react-as-bill-to-ban-conversion-therapy-passes|archive-date=18 February 2022|url-status=live}}

In June 2022, Brown was caught in a controversy where he liked a Facebook post by fellow MP Simon O'Connor which expressed it was a "good day" following Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization's overturn of US Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which curtailed abortion rights in the US. Brown later apologised for liking O'Connor's post.{{Cite news|title=national-mp-removes-post-following-roe-v-wade-decision |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/469788/national-mp-removes-post-following-roe-v-wade-decision |access-date=28 June 2022|work=Radio New Zealand|language=en}}{{Cite news|title=simon-o-connor-apologises-to-fellow-national-mps-over-abortion-post |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/469937/simon-o-connor-apologises-to-fellow-national-mps-over-abortion-post |access-date=28 June 2022|work=Radio New Zealand|language=en}}

On 19 January 2023, Brown was allocated the new Auckland issues portfolio in Party leader Christopher Luxon's shadow cabinet.{{Cite news |title=National reshuffle: Luxon promotes former leaders Judith Collins, Todd Muller |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-bishop-judith-collins-and-todd-muller-winners-in-national-reshuffle/GSJOIE4DVNDA5CSUFBUZI6RK6U/ |date=19 January 2023 |access-date=19 January 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119081812/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-bishop-judith-collins-and-todd-muller-winners-in-national-reshuffle/GSJOIE4DVNDA5CSUFBUZI6RK6U/|archive-date=19 January 2023|url-status=live}}

On 27 May 2023, Brown stated during a Bay of Plenty meeting about transport infrastructure that introducing bilingual road signs in English and Māori would create confusion and that "they should all be in English." He made these remarks when he was asked his opinion on Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency's) proposal to introduce bilingual road signs.{{cite news |title=Road signs 'should all be in English': National |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/road-signs-should-all-be-english-national |access-date=31 May 2023 |work=Otago Daily Times |publisher=Allied Press |date=27 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528055028/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/road-signs-should-all-be-english-national|archive-date=28 May 2023|url-status=live}} Brown's remarks drew criticism from Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who suggested that the National Party was dog whistling on Waka Kotahi's bilingual road sign programme. In response to criticism, fellow National MP Chris Bishop stated that National had no problems with bilingualism but opined that the agency should focus on repairing potholes and upgrading roads rather than bilingual road signs.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Election 2023: National claims no issue with Te Reo on road signs, but says they should be 'nice-to-have' |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/05/election-2023-national-claims-no-issue-with-te-reo-road-signs-but-says-they-should-be-nice-to-have.html |access-date=31 May 2023 |work=Newshub |publisher=Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand |date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529060413/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/05/election-2023-national-claims-no-issue-with-te-reo-road-signs-but-says-they-should-be-nice-to-have.html|archive-date=29 May 2023|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last1=Neilson |first1=Michael |title=Te reo Māori road signs supported by National says MP Chris Bishop; PM Chris Hipkins accuses party of 'dog whistle' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/te-reo-maori-road-signs-supported-by-national-says-mp-chris-bishop-pm-chris-hipkins-accuses-party-of-dog-whistle/H3JPVLTAGJEPZPWLWFOPTM3YIE/ |access-date=31 May 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530132556/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/te-reo-maori-road-signs-supported-by-national-says-mp-chris-bishop-pm-chris-hipkins-accuses-party-of-dog-whistle/H3JPVLTAGJEPZPWLWFOPTM3YIE/|archive-date=30 May 2023|url-status=live}} Several Māori National MPs including Tama Potaka, Harete Hipango, and Shane Reti expressed disagreement with Brown, stating that they had no objections to bilingual road signs.{{cite news |last1=Lynch |first1=Jenna |title=National's Tama Potaka takes Simeon Brown for korero over Te Reo road signs as Māori MPs break party line |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/05/national-s-tama-potaka-takes-simeon-brown-for-korero-over-te-reo-road-signs-as-m-ori-mps-break-party-line.html |access-date=31 May 2023 |work=Newshub |publisher=Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand |date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530222816/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/05/national-s-tama-potaka-takes-simeon-brown-for-korero-over-te-reo-road-signs-as-m-ori-mps-break-party-line.html|archive-date=30 May 2023|url-status=dead}}

=Third term, 2023–present=

During the 2023 New Zealand general election, Brown retained Pakuranga by a margin of 18,710 votes, defeating Labour's Nerissa Henry.{{cite web |title=Pakuranga - Official Result |url=https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-35.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123163448/https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-35.html |archive-date=23 November 2023 |date=3 November 2023 |url-status=live}} Following the formation of the National-led coalition government in late November 2023, he was appointed as Minister of Energy, Minister of Local Government, Minister of Transport, Minister for Auckland, and Deputy leader of the House.{{cite news |title=Cabinet lineup for new government unveiled - who gets what? |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503156/cabinet-lineup-for-new-government-unveiled-who-gets-what |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204122806/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503156/cabinet-lineup-for-new-government-unveiled-who-gets-what |archive-date=4 December 2023|url-status=live}}

On 19 January 2025, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced Brown would be appointed as the next Minister of Health, taking over from Shane Reti.{{Cite news |last=Day |first=Tom |date=19 January 2025 |title=Shane Reti out as Health Minister as PM makes major cabinet reshuffle |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/19/shane-reti-out-as-health-minister-as-pm-makes-major-cabinet-reshuffle/ |access-date=19 January 2025|work=1News |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119113652/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/19/shane-reti-out-as-health-minister-as-pm-makes-major-cabinet-reshuffle/|archive-date=19 January 2025|url-status=live}} As part of the cabinet reshuffle, Brown relinquished his energy, local government and transport portfolios, which were picked up by Simon Watts and Chris Bishop respectively. In addition, Brown became the Minister for State Owned Enterprises.{{cite news |title=As it happened: Luxon announces Cabinet reshuffle, Shane Reti loses health portfolio to Simeon Brown |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/539370/as-it-happened-luxon-announces-cabinet-reshuffle-shane-reti-loses-health-portfolio-to-simeon-brown |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=RNZ |date=19 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119031900/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/539370/as-it-happened-luxon-announces-cabinet-reshuffle-shane-reti-loses-health-portfolio-to-simeon-brown |archive-date=19 January 2025}}

==Energy==

On 30 April 2024, Brown confirmed that the Government would invest in 25 new high speed electric vehicle charging facilities along key routes between major urban centres.{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Simeon |title=Government to boost public EV charging network |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-boost-public-ev-charging-network |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505204427/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-boost-public-ev-charging-network |archive-date=5 May 2024 |date=30 April 2024 |url-status=live}}

==Transport==

On 4 December 2023 Brown, in his capacity as Transport Minister, ordered that the transport agency Waka Kotahi give primacy to its English name "New Zealand Transport Agency."{{cite news |title=Minister instructs Waka Kotahi staff to use English name first |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/04/minister-instructs-waka-kotahi-staff-to-use-english-name-first/ |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208173059/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/04/minister-instructs-waka-kotahi-staff-to-use-english-name-first/|archive-date=8 December 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Waka Kotahi to use its English name first after pressure from government |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504248/waka-kotahi-to-use-its-english-name-first-after-pressure-from-government |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210042048/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504248/waka-kotahi-to-use-its-english-name-first-after-pressure-from-government|archive-date=10 December 2023|url-status=live}} On 12 December Brown also confirmed that the Government would be keeping its election promise to abolish "blanket" speed limits on roads and highways. He also announced that he would write to inform Road Controlling Authorities about the changes and new rule.{{cite news |title=Transport Minister Simeon Brown announces major change to speed limit rules |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/12/transport-minister-simeon-brown-announces-major-change-to-speed-limit-rules.html |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=Newshub |date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212213241/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/12/transport-minister-simeon-brown-announces-major-change-to-speed-limit-rules.html |archive-date=12 December 2023|url-status=dead}} On 21 March, Brown confirmed that Cabinet was developing new rules to replace the so-called "Nanny state" speed limit reductions of the previous Labour Government.{{cite news |title='Nanny state' speed limit reductions to be reversed - Minister |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/21/nanny-state-speed-limit-reductions-to-be-reversed-minister/|access-date=25 March 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=21 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321113908/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/21/nanny-state-speed-limit-reductions-to-be-reversed-minister/|archive-date=21 March 2024|url-status=live}}

On 16 December Brown, in his capacity as Transport Minister, instructed the New Zealand Transport Agency to halt the Transport Choices Programme which involved funding and working with various local council projects to promote cycling, walking and public transportation.{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Robin |title=Minister pulls brakes on cycling and walking initiatives |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504884/minister-pulls-brakes-on-cycling-and-walking-initiatives |access-date=18 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=16 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216085115/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504884/minister-pulls-brakes-on-cycling-and-walking-initiatives |archive-date=16 December 2023}} In early November 2023, the Transport Agency had unilaterally halted funding for the Transport Choices Programme amidst coalition talks to form the next National-led government.{{cite news |title=Waka Kotahi puts funding for cycling, walking and public transport initiatives on hold |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/501695/waka-kotahi-puts-funding-for-cycling-walking-and-public-transport-initiatives-on-hold |access-date=18 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206073101/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/501695/waka-kotahi-puts-funding-for-cycling-walking-and-public-transport-initiatives-on-hold |archive-date=6 December 2023|url-status=live}} Notable projects affected by the Government's transportation policy change included the "Let's Get Wellington Moving" programme.{{cite news |title=Let's Get Wellington Moving grinds to a halt |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/301028320/lets-get-wellington-moving-grinds-to-a-halt |access-date=18 December 2023 |work=Stuff |date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216231305/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/301028320/lets-get-wellington-moving-grinds-to-a-halt |archive-date=16 December 2023|url-status=live}} On 14 January 2024, Brown confirmed the cancellation of Auckland light rail, stating that the cost of the project was unsustainable for taxpayers.{{Cite web |date=14 January 2024 |title=National-led government officially cancels Auckland Light Rail plans |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/506674/national-led-government-officially-cancels-auckland-light-rail-plans |access-date=14 January 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115013806/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/506674/national-led-government-officially-cancels-auckland-light-rail-plans|archive-date=15 January 2024|url-status=live}}

On 19 March 2024, Brown confirmed that the Government would reduce the proposed road user charge on hybrid vehicles from NZ$53 per 1,000km to NZ$38. Earlier, the Parliamentary transport select committee had adopted a Labour and Green proposal to reduce the road user charge for hybrid vehicles to NZ$38 against the wishes of committee chair and NZ First MP Andy Foster.{{cite news |title=Government agrees to slash road user charges for plug-in hybrids |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/512095/government-agrees-to-slash-road-user-charges-for-plug-in-hybrids |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=19 March 2024}} Earlier in January 2024, Brown had announced that the Government would implement road user charges on both electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids from 1 April 2024.{{cite news |title=EVs, plug-in hybrids to pay road user charges from 1 April |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/506844/evs-plug-in-hybrids-to-pay-road-user-charges-from-1-april |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=16 January 2024}}

On 9 July 2024, Brown announced that the Government would ease Clean Car Standard Rules to comply with Australian fuel efficiency standards. In response clean car lobby group "Drive Electric" said that weakening fuel efficiency standards would lead to high petrol and diesel prices.{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Eloise |title=Government eases 'too stringent' Clean Car Standard rules |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521675/government-eases-too-stringent-clean-car-standard-rules |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=9 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710093634/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/521675/government-eases-too-stringent-clean-car-standard-rules |archive-date=10 July 2024|url-status=live}} On 12 July, Brown announced that the Government would be introducing measures to reduce "excessive" road cone usage and to ease temporary traffic management costs.{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=Transport Minister Simeon Brown: Traffic management road cone use ‘out of control’ |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/transport-minister-simeon-brown-traffic-management-road-cone-use-out-of-control/KUAUDCCVJFB5NGEL6KCBLUFE74/ |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712040818/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/transport-minister-simeon-brown-traffic-management-road-cone-use-out-of-control/KUAUDCCVJFB5NGEL6KCBLUFE74/ |archive-date=12 July 2024}}

On 2 September 2024, Brown launched the Government's National Land Transport Programme, which invested NZ$32.9 billion in building 17 "Roads of National Significance" over the next three years. Brown also confirmed that the Government would invest NZ$6.4 billion from this sum into several public infrastructure projects including the City Rail Link, Eastern Busway, Northwest Rapid Transit Corridor, Auckland Airport to Botany Busway, and the Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility.{{cite news |title=Government to spend nearly $33 billion on transport over the next 3 years |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/526837/government-to-spend-nearly-33-billion-on-transport-over-the-next-3-years |access-date=5 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903203650/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/526837/government-to-spend-nearly-33-billion-on-transport-over-the-next-3-years |archive-date=3 September 2024|url-status=live}} On 19 September, Brown announced that the Government would roll out new data collection vans to assess the condition of New Zealand roads and prevent potholes.{{cite news |title=Inspection vans to assess road conditions in bid to prevent potholes |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/19/inspection-vans-to-assess-road-conditions-in-bid-to-prevent-potholes/ |access-date=21 September 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919094452/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/19/inspection-vans-to-assess-road-conditions-in-bid-to-prevent-potholes/ |archive-date=19 September 2024|url-status=live}}

On 5 October, Brown announced the Government's NZ$226 million roads resilience package to reduce the impact of severe weather events on roads and highways.{{cite news |title=$226m roads resilience package approved |url=https://insidegovernment.co.nz/226m-roads-resilience-package-approved/ |access-date=30 October 2024 |work=Inside Government |date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005050117/https://insidegovernment.co.nz/226m-roads-resilience-package-approved/ |archive-date=5 October 2024}}

==Local Government==

On 14 December 2023 Brown, in his capacity as Local Government Minister, confirmed that the Government would introduce legislation in early 2024 to repeal the outgoing Labour Government's Water Services Reform Programme and introduce its own water reform programme.{{cite news |last1=Trevett |first1=Claire |title=Government to start to repeal Three Waters scheme early next year, minister Simeon Brown says |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-to-start-to-repeal-labours-three-waters-scheme-early-next-year-minister-simeon-brown-says/UYHHG675SNBR5GHMA64MQJG5ZQ/ |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213231114/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-to-start-to-repeal-labours-three-waters-scheme-early-next-year-minister-simeon-brown-says/UYHHG675SNBR5GHMA64MQJG5ZQ/ |archive-date=13 December 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Simeon |title=Government to repeal Three Waters legislation |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-repeal-three-waters-legislation |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219092347/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-repeal-three-waters-legislation |archive-date=19 December 2023 |date=14 December 2023 |url-status=live}} According to media organisation Newsroom, the Government planned to create a new type of financial separate council-owned organisations to finance water and wastewater infrastructure. Instead of the ten proposed water service entities, local councils would be responsible for complying with water regulation rules and water infrastructural investment.{{cite news |last1=Milne |first1=Jonathan |title=Three Waters repeal forces councils to hike rates by a third |url=https://newsroom.co.nz/2023/12/21/three-waters-repeal-forces-councils-to-hike-rates-by-a-third/ |access-date=27 December 2023 |work=Newsroom |date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224000415/https://newsroom.co.nz/2023/12/21/three-waters-repeal-forces-councils-to-hike-rates-by-a-third/ |archive-date=24 December 2023}}

On 26 January 2024, Brown confirmed that the Government would halt plans to progress legislation introduced by the previous Labour Government to lower the voting age to 16 years for local government elections.{{cite news |title=Government formally withdraws bill to lower voting age in council elections |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507608/government-formally-withdraws-bill-to-lower-voting-age-in-council-elections |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128114259/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507608/government-formally-withdraws-bill-to-lower-voting-age-in-council-elections |archive-date=28 January 2024}}{{cite news |title=Government scraps Bill to lower voting age in council elections |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/26/government-scraps-bill-to-lower-voting-age-in-council-elections/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=1News |date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128213835/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/26/government-scraps-bill-to-lower-voting-age-in-council-elections/ |archive-date=28 January 2024}}

On 14 February Brown, as Local Government Minister, introduced legislation repealing the previous Labour Government's Three Waters reform programme under urgency.{{cite news |title=Parliament repeals Three Waters programme under urgency |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/509144/parliament-repeals-three-waters-programme-under-urgency |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216020717/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/509144/parliament-repeals-three-waters-programme-under-urgency |archive-date=16 February 2024}} Brown also announced that the Government would introduce two new laws in 2024 and 2025 rolling its own "Local Water Done Well" programme, which would emphasise local control over water infrastructure and services.{{cite web |title=Labour's Three Waters legislation repealed |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/labour%E2%80%99s-three-waters-legislation-repealed |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=18 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214062045/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/labour%E2%80%99s-three-waters-legislation-repealed |archive-date=14 February 2024 |date=14 February 2024 |url-status=live}}

On 4 April 2024, Brown announced that local and regional councils which introduced Māori wards without polling residents would have to hold referendums during the 2025 local elections or dissolve the wards they had established prior to the 2025 local elections. Brown also announced that the government would introduce legislation restoring the requirement for local councils to hold referendums on Māori wards by the end of July 2024.{{cite news |title=Maori wards ultimatum for councils as coalition government imposes referendums |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/513401/maori-wards-ultimatum-for-councils-as-coalition-government-imposes-referendums |access-date=6 April 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405073507/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/513401/maori-wards-ultimatum-for-councils-as-coalition-government-imposes-referendums |archive-date=5 April 2024|url-status=live}} This bill passed on 30 July 2024.{{cite news |title=Māori wards bill passes third reading |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/523622/maori-wards-bill-passes-third-reading |access-date=7 August 2024 |work=RNZ |date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806065136/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/523622/maori-wards-bill-passes-third-reading |archive-date=6 August 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Gabel |first1=Julia |title=Legislation requiring local councils to hold polls on Māori wards passes in Parliament |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/legislation-requiring-local-councils-to-hold-polls-on-maori-wards-passes-in-parliament/AWUG6M36OBECNGE5PSMUEOVMOU/ |access-date=7 August 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804103325/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/legislation-requiring-local-councils-to-hold-polls-on-maori-wards-passes-in-parliament/AWUG6M36OBECNGE5PSMUEOVMOU/ |archive-date=4 August 2024|url-status=live}}

On 5 May 2024 Brown and Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown jointly announced that Auckland would avoid a 25.8 percent rates increase as part of the Government's Local Water Done Well plan.{{cite news |title=Auckland's new water plan unveiled by Mayor Wayne Brown and Local Government Minister Simeon Brown |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/516015/auckland-s-new-water-plan-unveiled-by-mayor-wayne-brown-and-local-government-minister-simeon-brown |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506051746/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/516015/auckland-s-new-water-plan-unveiled-by-mayor-wayne-brown-and-local-government-minister-simeon-brown |archive-date=6 May 2024}}

On 8 August 2024, Brown announced that council-controlled organisations would be able to borrow money for water infrastructure from the Local Government Funding Agency. Under the Government's first Local Water Done Well legislation, local councils have a year to develop plans for funding water services they need and ensuring their financial sustainability.{{cite news |title=New details of Three Waters replacement revealed |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/08/08/new-details-of-three-waters-replacement-revealed/ |access-date=11 August 2024 |work=1News |date=8 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811031257/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/08/08/new-details-of-three-waters-replacement-revealed/ |archive-date=11 August 2024|url-status=live}} This legislation passed into law on 28 August 2024.{{cite news |last1=Dexter |first1=Giles |title=Bill for local council water service delivery passes third reading |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/526349/bill-for-local-council-water-service-delivery-passes-third-reading |access-date=1 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=28 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227191153/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/526349/bill-for-local-council-water-service-delivery-passes-third-reading|archive-date=27 December 2024|url-status=live}}

==Health==

Following his appointment as Minister of Health on 19 January 2025, Brown reiterated that abortion rights and access to abortion services would not change under his watch, stating "every politician has views but what I'm saying is my personal views have been on the public record but we're not changing the legislation." Brown has expressed pro-life views and once liked a social media post by fellow National MP Simon O'Connor welcoming the Supreme Court of the United States's 2022 ruling overturning Roe v Wade.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Anneke |title=No change to abortion laws, new Health Minister Simeon Brown promises |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/539608/no-change-to-abortion-laws-new-health-minister-simeon-brown-promises |access-date=22 January 2025 |work=RNZ |date=22 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121220952/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/539608/no-change-to-abortion-laws-new-health-minister-simeon-brown-promises |archive-date=21 January 2025}} The Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand wrote a letter to Prime Minister Luxon expressing concern about Brown's appointment due to his anti-abortion views and activism, saying "Given Mr Brown's persistent opposition to New Zealanders' bodily autonomy in the face of massive public support for abortion – 78% of New Zealanders support the right to an abortion – his appointment leaves us concerned and perplexed about the state of affairs."{{cite news |last1=Witton |first1=Bridie |title=Abortion Law Reform Association raises concerns over ‘pro-life’ Health Minister Simeon Brown |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360555874/provocation-abortion-law-reform-association-raises-concerns-over-pro-life-health-minister-simeon |access-date=22 January 2025 |work=Stuff |date=22 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122050415/https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360555874/provocation-abortion-law-reform-association-raises-concerns-over-pro-life-health-minister-simeon |archive-date=22 January 2025}}

On 31 January 2025, Brown confirmed that the new Dunedin Hospital would be built on the site of the former Cadbury factory at a cost of NZ$1.9 billion. He ruled out earlier plans to refurbish the current hospital site. Brown also confirmed that the new hospital would have 351 beds, 20 short-stay surgical beds, 24 theatres, 58 emergency department spaces and 20 imaging units for CT, MRI and X-ray procedures.{{cite news |last1=Tomsett |first1=Ben |title=Govt confirms new Dunedin Hospital will be built on old Cadbury factory site |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dunedin-hospital-announcement-expected-today/6TAYC5SZCRFUNKBDNHSFE6C24Q/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=31 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131024634/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dunedin-hospital-announcement-expected-today/6TAYC5SZCRFUNKBDNHSFE6C24Q/ |archive-date=31 January 2025|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Govt targets date for scaled-back hospital |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/live-bed-numbers-cut-hospital-goes-ahead |access-date=31 January 2025 |work=Otago Daily Times |date=31 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131030024/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/live-bed-numbers-cut-hospital-goes-ahead |archive-date=31 January 2025|url-status=live}} Brown's announcement was greeted by 35,000 protesters opposed to the cutbacks to the new hospital design.

On 11 February 2025, Brown confirmed that the Government's fluoridation policy would not change despite coalition partner New Zealand First introducing a member's bill to repeal the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021 which empowered the Director General of Health to mandate local councils to fluoridate their drinking water supplies, restoring the right to local communities and councils. The Whangārei District Council and Rotorua Lakes Councillor Conan O'Brien had challenged directives by the Director-General to fluoridate their water supplies, with the latter requesting an inquiry into the safety of water fluoridation.{{cite news |title=Fluoride policy won't change - Health administer |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541548/fluoride-policy-won-t-change-health-minister |access-date=13 February 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=11 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211173135/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541548/fluoride-policy-won-t-change-health-minister |archive-date=11 February 2025|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Laura |title=Rotorua fluoride mandate: Councillor seeks inquiry |url=https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/360307-rotorua-fluoride-mandate--councillor-seeks-inquiry.html |access-date=13 February 2025 |work=SunLive |publisher=Sun Media |date=9 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211083110/https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/360307-rotorua-fluoride-mandate--councillor-seeks-inquiry.html |archive-date=11 February 2025}} Brown reiterated the Government's position that water fluoridation was a "safe, effective, and affordable measure for improving oral health."

On 6 March 2025, Brown confirmed the Government would lower the bowel screening eligibility age range from 60 to 58 years, using funding from a cancelled programme established by the previous Labour government to lower the eligibility age for Māori and Pasifika New Zealanders from 60 to 50 years.{{cite news |title=Bowel cancer free screening age lowered to 58, funding pulled from Māori programme |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543915/bowel-cancer-free-screening-age-lowered-to-58-funding-pulled-from-maori-programme |access-date=6 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=6 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306001355/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543915/bowel-cancer-free-screening-age-lowered-to-58-funding-pulled-from-maori-programme |archive-date=6 March 2025}} On 7 March, Brown announced a major overhaul of Health New Zealand including reinstating its leadership board, decentralisation and promoting private-public partnership.{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Ruth |title=Health Minister Simeon Brown announces major overhaul of health sector |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544055/health-minister-simeon-brown-announces-major-overhaul-of-health-sector |access-date=8 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=7 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307035225/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544055/health-minister-simeon-brown-announces-major-overhaul-of-health-sector |archive-date=7 March 2025}}

On 15 April 2025, Brown disagreed with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists union's planned strike on 1 May 2025, claiming that senior doctors were "well supported" and saying that the strike would delay healthcare and operations for thousands of New Zealanders.{{cite news |title=Minister 'disappointed' as senior doctors vote to strike for 24 hours |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/15/minister-disappointed-as-senior-doctors-vote-to-strike-for-24-hours/ |access-date=19 April 2025 |work=1News |date=15 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250419031944/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/15/minister-disappointed-as-senior-doctors-vote-to-strike-for-24-hours/ |archive-date=19 April 2025 |url-status=live}} On 16 April, Brown announced New Zealand's first "Health Infrastructure Plan," which seeks to invest NZ$20 billion in upgrading the country's health infrastructure.{{cite news |title=Watch live: Minister Simeon Brown announces New Zealand's 'first-ever Health Infrastructure Plan' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/watch-live-minister-simeon-brown-announces-new-zealands-first-ever-health-infrastructure-plan/2IDTZOI4DRHNBDGIANZDDKJFG4/ |access-date=19 April 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=16 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250419032601/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/watch-live-minister-simeon-brown-announces-new-zealands-first-ever-health-infrastructure-plan/2IDTZOI4DRHNBDGIANZDDKJFG4/ |archive-date=19 April 2025 |url-status=live}}

In mid-May 2025, Brown announced that the New Zealand Government had allocated NZ$164 million from the 2025 New Zealand budget to expanding urgent and after-hours healthcare services nationwide over the next four years. This includes establishing new urgent and after-hours care services in Dunedin, Counties Manukau, Whangārei, Palmerston North and Tauranga.{{cite news |last1=Littlewood |first1=Matthew |title=Service to 'strengthen urgent care' |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/service-%E2%80%98strengthen-urgent-care%E2%80%99 |access-date=19 May 2025 |work=Otago Daily Times |date=19 May 2025|url-access=subscription}}

In mid June 2025, Brown announced that the Government would be introducing legislation to amend the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022; which provides the statutory framework for New Zealand's healthcare system. The proposed changes including enshrining a new statutory purpose to ensure that patients receive "timely" quality care, legislated health targets to improve accountability and management, reforming governance and financial oversight within Health New Zealand including the selection of board members, reducing red tape and audit requirements, enhancing the advisorial role of the Hauora Māori Advisory Committee, and repurposing the iwi-Māori Partnership Boards to focus on community engagement.{{cite news |last1=Knox |first1=Chris |title=Simeon Brown announces sweeping changes to health system legislation |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/simeon-brown-announces-sweeping-changes-to-health-system-legislation/HUZEDUVJWNGC7D2NLMLHDLRICI/ |access-date=16 June 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=14 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250615070543/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/simeon-brown-announces-sweeping-changes-to-health-system-legislation/HUZEDUVJWNGC7D2NLMLHDLRICI/ |archive-date=15 June 2025 |url-status=live}}

Personal life and public image

Brown is a Baptist Christian, who attends church regularly.{{cite news |title=Is Simeon Brown National's most hated MP? |first=Audrey |last=Young |date=2 June 2021 |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/audrey-young-is-simeon-brown-nationals-most-hated-mp/FEPW5ZSQEXZXFU4XBOVKBNG26Y/ |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=3 June 2021}} He lives in his electorate in Auckland with his wife Rebecca. Together they have three children.{{cite news |date=8 August 2019|title=MPs open up, fight back tears during Abortion Legislation Bill in Parliament|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12256932}}{{cite news|url=https://www.times.co.nz/news/browns-welcome-baby-girl/|title=Browns welcome baby girl|work=Times Online|date=9 February 2021}}{{cite news |date=6 June 2023|title=Simeon Brown and wife Rebecca welcome baby boy|url=https://www.times.co.nz/news/simeon-brown-and-wife-rebecca-welcome-new-baby-boy/}}

Brown is often mocked on social media.{{Cite web|title=Is this Parliament's most threatened, abused MP?|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/audrey-young-is-simeon-brown-nationals-most-hated-mp/FEPW5ZSQEXZXFU4XBOVKBNG26Y/|access-date=27 January 2022|website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/127611740/harete-hipango-undermines-nationals-rebuild |title=Harete Hipango undermines National's rebuild |date=30 January 2022 |work=Stuff |first=Andrea |last=Vance}} Despite their differing politics, Brown also developed a constructive relationship with Mayor of Wellington Tory Whanau.