WELLINGTON, April 2 (Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Thursday appointed Chris Penk as defence minister in a Cabinet reshuffle, handing a former naval officer responsibility for the armed forces.

Luxon said Penk would enter Cabinet and take on the portfolios of Defence, Government Communications Security Bureau and New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, and Space, as part of a refreshed ministerial lineup.

“Chris’ time in the NZDF (New Zealand Defence Force) leaves him well-placed to lead the work our Government has done in raising the status and capability of our armed forces,” Luxon said in a statement.

He takes over the portfolio as New Zealand gives greater priority to defence spending and military capability. The government unveiled a plan a year ago that aimed to lift defence spending to above 2% of GDP within eight years, including new funding of NZ$9 billion ($5.2 billion).

Penk replaces current Minister of Defence Judith Collins, who is retiring from Parliament. Luxon also announced changes to several other portfolios, including energy, public service and Pacific peoples.

($1 = 1.7382 New Zealand dollars)

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Sonali Paul)