King calls for talks with Ministers over ‘bombshell’ DBH plans

"I am very shocked. It came out of left field. I have not got a clue what building and housing has to do with business and innovation or labour," King said.

Cabinet had agreed in principle to establish the new Ministry, which will absorb the functions of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Department of Labour, the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Department of Building and Housing effective by July 1.

He is trying to get appointments to see Steven Joyce, who will head the new ‘super ministry' and Housing Minister Phil Heatley and building Minister Maurice Williamson.

"We will definitely be trying to go and see the Ministers. We need to know what will happen with services, especially tenancy services. We want to talk to Ministers to find out what is going on.