First-term MP James Meager is pledging to speak to those in the deep south - and the top of the Mainland.

Meager is the first National MP elected in 2023 to become a minister, taking up the new portfolio of Minister for the South Island, alongside portfolios in Hunting and Fishing and Youth.

James Meager says he wants to make sure the South Island can contribute to economic growth.

"That's a big part of what the PM wants me to do - help us focus on what we can do to promote growth in the South Island." 

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