The two major surprises were the return to the shadow cabinet for list MP and former deputy leader David Parker, who will be responsible for environment, water, state-owned enterprises, ICT, entrepreneurship, regulatory reform and shadow attorney-general.
But taking over ICT means Dunedin South MP Clare Curran suffers another blow to her future in the caucus.
She was previously demoted to assistant ICT by former leader David Cunliffe but regained it under Mr Little.
Now, she finds herself as associate spokeswoman in a portfolio about which she feels passionate.
Ms Curran retains broadcasting.
The other surprise is Mr Little gambling he can see off criticism of Maoridom with his demotion of Nanaia Mahuta from four to 12, and bottom of the ranked MPs in the new line-up.
Ms Mahuta has ties to the Maori King and was rewarded earlier for overseeing the return of all but one of the Maori seats to Labour.
But she failed to spark on the front bench and will move back to the second row.
Kelvin Davis, the MP who beat Hone Harawira at the last election, has moved to number eight and takes over the Maori development role and corrections spokesman.
As expected, high-profile Auckland list MP Jacinda Ardern has moved up the rankings to be number five.
In practice, only eight MPs can sit on Labour's front bench, so Dunedin North MP David Clark, although moving up one position to nine from 10, does not make it to the front row.
Dr Clark needs to focus more on issues in which he can make a difference.
His obvious dislike for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce clouds his judgement on occasions.
As economic development spokesman and responsible for trade and export growth, Dr Clark needs to come to terms with Labour's position on the controversial Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement so he can explain it to voters.
The South has been done no favours by Mr Little and, unless there is a major shift in polling support, National will continue to command the party vote in Dunedin.
Labour's top three-ranked MPs are from Wellington, the next two are from Auckland.
Mr Little realised the importance of placing Canterbury issues high up in his new rankings by promoting Wigram MP Megan Woods to 10.
MPs seen as having a bright future with Labour have been included without rankings in the shadow cabinet.
They are Stuart Nash, Meka Whaitiri, Jenny Salesa and Peeni Henare.
Mr Henare is a great-grandson of Taurekareka Henare, who held the Northern Maori seat between 1914 and 1938.
His grandfather was James Henare, who stood for the National Party in five elections between 1946 and 1963.
Mr Little has taken a risk by not promoting David Cunliffe, former leader and a minister in the last Labour government.
Along with Ms Curran, Kris Faafoi, Ruth Dyson, Mr Cunliffe is being given the hint to not stand at the next election - something the MP is unlikely to take well.
Labour desperately needs new MPs to be elected at the next election, but without some retirements, that seems unlikely to happen.
