National leader Don Brash announced his intention to create the office on 18 August 2005 in the campaign for the 2005 New Zealand general election. He cited the rewriting of the Resource Management Act 1991–which he described as a "major impediment" to fast decisions– as a major task for the future minister,[2] who would also work with ministers in the areas of transport, energy, communications, building and the environment.[3] The creation of the portfolio was one of the National Party's election pledges for the 2005 general election.[4]
The position was re-created on 20 December 2016, when Prime Minister Bill English named his Cabinet on 18 December 2016. Steven Joyce was named to the post, as well as Minister of Finance.[12]