The occupant of the office was responsible for the government's communications sector policies and regulatory system, including the regulation of the telecommunications and postal sectors, the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband, rural broadband and radio spectrum management.
Previously, from December 2016 to October 2017, the broadcasting portfolio had been disestablished with some of its responsibilities assigned to the Minister of Communications.
[2] Year 2000 preparedness in New Zealand was led by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology.
[4] Administrative and policy support was provided to the minister by the Ministries of Commerce; Economic Development; and Business, Innovation and Employment.
A standalone communications portfolio was restored after the 2014 general election and responsibility for information and technology was assigned to the Minister of Economic Development.