Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller is now the acting spokesperson for Agriculture, Biosecurity and Food Safety.

The announcement comes after Barbara Kuriger resigned her portfolios last night.

'Last night, I accepted Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger's resignation from her portfolios of Agriculture, Biosecurity and Food Safety, says National Party leader Chris Luxon.

'I have become aware that Ms Kuriger and her family are involved in a personal dispute with the Ministry of Primary Industries that is ongoing.

'I discussed this with Ms Kuriger and she accepts that this is a significant conflict of interest and the failure to recognise it and to take steps to manage this conflict has been a serious lapse of judgement. On this basis, Ms Kuriger felt it appropriate to resign from her portfolios.

'From today, Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller will become Acting Spokesperson for Agriculture, Biosecurity and Food Safety.

'As I have previously indicated, I intend to undertake a wider reshuffle in the coming months.”

Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger. Photo: RNZ / Daniela Maoate - Cox.

In a statement released this afternoon, Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger says her involvement in a dispute with MPI over events in 2017 creates a 'blurred line” with her portfolio responsibilities.

'In order to continue to support my family, I am stepping aside.

'Although the dispute is, for me, a personal matter which I have endeavoured at all times to keep separate from my professional role, I accept there has been a conflict of interest which I should have recognised sooner, and managed.

'While the dispute is ongoing, I will not be commenting further on this matter.”