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Christopher Luxon
Prime Minister of New Zealand since 2023 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Christopher Mark Luxon (/ˈlʌksən/; born 19 July 1970) is a New Zealand politician and former business executive who has served as the 42nd prime minister of New Zealand since 2023 and as leader of the National Party since 2021. He previously served as leader of the Opposition from 2021 to 2023. He has been member of Parliament (MP) for Botany since 2020. Prior to entering politics, he was the chief executive officer (CEO) of Air New Zealand from 2013 to 2019.
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Luxon was born in Christchurch and grew up in Howick in East Auckland, before studying commerce at the University of Canterbury. He joined Unilever in 1993 and held senior roles at Unilever Canada, becoming president and CEO of the subsidiary in 2008. In 2011, Luxon left Unilever Canada and joined Air New Zealand as group general manager and became CEO in 2013.
After stepping down as CEO of Air New Zealand in 2019, Luxon won the pre-selection for the safe National Party seat of Botany in East Auckland, and retained the seat for National at the 2020 general election despite a landslide defeat for the party nationally. He was often touted as a potential National Party leader during the turbulent time for the party politically in the aftermath of the 2017 general election, even before becoming an MP.
Luxon won the leadership unopposed on 30 November 2021, a little more than eight months after his maiden speech, and after a party crisis led to the removal of Judith Collins as leader. Becoming the seventh National Party leader in less than five years, Luxon re-oriented the party around the COVID-19 recession and what he called the "cost-of-living crisis", criticising Labour for its leadership. He led his party into the 2023 general election which won 48 seats. Despite enjoying a 12-percentage point swing, National returned the second-lowest vote share of any party that has won a plurality under proportional representation.
Lacking the necessary seats to govern, Luxon required the aid of two parties, ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form a majority. He was sworn in as prime minister on 27 November 2023 and currently leads the Sixth National Government.
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Early life
Christopher Mark Luxon[1] was born in Christchurch on 19 July 1970,[2] to a Roman Catholic family of Irish, Scottish and English descent.[3] He lived in Christchurch until the age of seven, when his family moved to Howick in Auckland. His father, Graham Luxon, worked for Johnson & Johnson as a sales executive and his mother, Kathleen Luxon (née Turnbull), worked as a psychotherapist and counsellor.[3] After a year at Saint Kentigern College and another year at Howick College, the family returned to Christchurch and Luxon spent three years at Christchurch Boys' High School.[4][5] While there, he won the prize for senior debating.[6] He subsequently studied at the University of Canterbury from 1989 to 1992, gaining a Master of Commerce (Business Administration) degree.[7] During his high school and university years, Luxon worked part-time at McDonald's and as a porter at the Parkroyal Hotel.[8]
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Business career
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Unilever
Luxon worked for Unilever from 1993 to 2011, starting in Wellington as a management trainee for two years, leaving for Sydney in 1995. He worked his way up in the company, working in Sydney until 2000, in London from 2000 to 2003, and then Chicago from 2003 to 2008, becoming "Global Deodorants and Grooming Category" Director.[9] In 2008 when Unilever restructured, he became president of the company's Canadian operations, based in Toronto.[8][10]
Air New Zealand
He joined Air New Zealand as group general manager in May 2011 and was named the chief executive officer on 19 June 2012, succeeding Rob Fyfe at the end of that year.[2][11] During his eight-year leadership, Air New Zealand profits grew to record levels and the company was named Australia's most trusted brand several times.[7] He joined the board of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand in April 2014.[12]
As CEO, he inherited Air New Zealand's financial interest in Virgin Australia[13] and in 2014 joined its board.[14] After reportedly failing to win board support to sack Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti, Luxon left the Virgin Australia board and sold Air New Zealand's 25.9 per cent shareholding at a loss to Air NZ shareholders, including the government.[15][16] On 20 June 2019, Luxon announced that he was resigning from Air New Zealand and hinted at a possible career with the National Party.[17]
In February 2021, it was revealed that while Luxon was CEO of Air New Zealand, its contracting business unit Gas Turbines was assisting Royal Saudi Navy vessels, despite their blocking essential supplies like water, food and medical assistance from Yemen. Luxon claimed to "have no recollection of it" and that "it might've post-dated my time." This claim was disputed by his successor Greg Foran.[18]
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Personal wealth
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As CEO of Air New Zealand, Luxon received a salary of $4.2 million a year. His net worth is estimated to be between NZ$21 million and NZ$30 million, which makes him the second-wealthiest leader of the National Party, after former Prime Minister John Key. He owns seven properties, including a home in Remuera valued at NZ$7.68 million, and a portfolio collectively valued at over NZ$21 million.[19] Luxon has publicly acknowledged his wealth, stating, "Let's be clear, I'm wealthy," in response to questions about his property sales and financial status.[20]
Prime Ministers usually reside in Premier House while in Wellington. For nine months, Luxon initially stayed in his own mortgage free apartment and claimed a NZ$52,000 living allowance, becoming the first Prime Minister in 34 years to claim this allowance. After the initial public scrutiny, he claimed he was 'entitled' to it; this led to increased criticism, and eventually he agreed to pay the allowance back.[21] Writing in The Listener, Danyl McLauchlan, describes "staggering tax-free profits" Luxon has made from his properties, adding that his "wealth seems to insulate him from an elementary grasp" of the problems faced by ordinary New Zealanders.[22]
Early political career
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Member of Parliament
After Jami-Lee Ross resigned from National over accusations of fraud against the party,[23] Luxon secured the National Party candidacy for the Botany electorate, which has always been won by National and was regarded as a safe seat for them,[24] in November 2019. He won in a selection contest with National Party list MP Agnes Loheni, Howick Local Board deputy chair Katrina Bungard, cancer drug campaigner Troy Elliott, and tech businessman Jake Bezzant, who was later selected as National's candidate for Upper Harbour.[24][25]
In Opposition (2020–2023)
Amid a sweep of National seats lost to Labour in the 2020 general election, Luxon won Botany with 52% of the vote.[26][27][28] In his maiden speech, Luxon praised Martin Luther King Jr. and Kate Sheppard as part of a defence of Christians such as himself in public life, claiming that being Christian had become an identity that "it has become acceptable to stereotype as being extreme."[29] He was appointed as the spokesperson for local government, research, science, manufacturing and land information, as well as associate spokesperson for transport in the Shadow Cabinet of Judith Collins.[30]
After the removal of Collins as party leader on 25 November, Luxon was cited as a potential replacement.[31] On 30 November, following Bridges's withdrawal from the running at the National Party leadership election, Luxon was announced as the party's leader.[32]
As Leader of the Opposition, Luxon used public funding to pay for Māori language (te reo) lessons. Luxon defended using taxpayer money to pay for his Māori language lessons, stating that "developing better skills in te reo was highly relevant to his role as Opposition leader and a potential Prime Minister.[33][34] Once he became Prime Minister, the National-led coalition government considered discontinuing incentive payments for public servants to learn the Māori language.[33]
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Prime Minister (2023–present)
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On 14 October 2023, Christopher Luxon led the National Party to victory in the 2023 general election,[35][36] winning 48 seats and 38.1% of the party vote – but not enough to govern outright.[37] Luxon retained his Botany electorate seat with 67% of the vote.[38] National required two coalition partners and his negotiations with ACT and New Zealand First took till 24 November.[39] Luxon was sworn in as prime minister by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro on 27 November.[40][41]
New Zealanders can be positive about the future. Change won't be easy and it won't be quick, because Labour has left us a lot to repair and to rebuild, and the books are not in good shape. But I tell you there's nothing that can't be done by a Government that actually knows what it's doing.
— Luxon in his first speech to Parliament as prime minister, 6 December 2023[42]
Economic growth
On 18 February 2024 Luxon delivered his first State of the Nation address, in which he blamed the previous Labour Government for what he called the "precarious state of the economy". Luxon stated that his Government would focus on restoring the economy by cutting taxes (by $14.7 billion),[43][44] reducing public spending and "red tape".[45] Tax Justice Aotearoa have described the tax changes as regressive, arguing that they disproportionately benefit higher-income earners, landlords and property investors.[46]
Nevertheless, Luxon has made economic growth the central theme of his government's agenda, arguing it is the solution to New Zealand's problems and key to improving living standards for all Kiwis. His government is prioritizing growth in sectors such as tourism, international education, mining, and agriculture, aiming to make it easier for these industries to expand and attract investment,[47] and is using quarterly action plans to maintain momentum, monitor progress, and ensure the public service remains focused on delivery.[48]
However, much of the country's capital is tied up in unproductive and expensive housing, an issue which is not being addressed by Luxon's government.[49] Productivity is also affected by stress and mental health issues of employees.[50] Unions tend to see the Government as anti-worker, pointing to many changes that have had negative impacts on people and services,[51] such as the abolition of Fair Pay Agreement laws and pay equity laws in May 2025.[52] Concerns also exist about the government's structural deficit and the risk that tax cuts could undermine economic stability if not matched by spending restraint or genuine productivity gains.[53]
On 7 May 2025, Luxon and Tourism Minister Louise Upston announced the Government would end the requirement for overseas visitors to provide certified translations of supporting documents in a bid to boost international tourism.[54]
Public sector cutbacks
As part of reducing Government spending, in late 2023, Luxon's government began implementing significant cutbacks to New Zealand's public service. He describes these measures as part of a drive for fiscal discipline, with the stated aim of reducing what the government describes as "wasteful spending" and redirecting resources towards frontline services and tax relief.[55] In 2024 alone, more than 800 jobs were cut in a single day across five major departments, including Kāinga Ora, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Statistics New Zealand, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), and the Ministry of Education.[56] Radio New Zealand reports that if vacancies are included in the calculation, 9,500 public sector jobs have been cut.[57] More than 240 government programmes have been scaled down or scrapped, particularly those initiated under the previous Labour government.[58] Luxon has consistently articulated the rationale for these cuts, amounting to about $6 billion[59] and publicly defended the scale of job losses.[60]
Health sector
Luxon's government has also focused on cutting public expenditures on healthcare. In 2024, Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) faced serious financial challenges, with reports of a $130 million per month shortfall and a projected $1.4 billion deficit by year-end. The government cited a lack of financial controls and poor cash flow analysis within the organisation, leading to the replacement of the board with a commissioner to improve performance and accountability. Luxon claimed there was a bloated bureaucracy, with 14 layers of management between the chief executive and the patient.[61]
There have also been multiple high-profile resignations, including the Director-General of Health, the Chief Executive of Health NZ, and the Director of Public Health. Luxon claimed these were independent decisions, while critics linked them to ongoing sector pressures and unmet targets, especially around emergency department (ED) wait times.[62] On 19 January 2025, Luxon announced that Simeon Brown would be appointed as the next Minister of Health, taking over from Shane Reti.[63]
Despite these frequent changes in personnel, little progress has been made. Emergency departments have experienced increased wait times and staffing shortages.[64] Access to GPs and primary care has been difficult, with long waits for appointments and concerns about the sustainability of general practice.[65] In response to concerns about long waiting lists, Luxon said that if he had an infection, he would rather see a nurse practitioner to get antibiotics. He told Kerre Woodham on NewstalkZB: "I don't need to book a GP appointment."[66]
Taxing cigarettes
In February 2024, National-led coalition government repealed New Zealand's world leading smoke-free legislation which would have made it illegal for anyone born in 2008 or later to legally purchase tobacco. The decision to repeal New Zealand's smokefree legislation is likely to raise or preserve approximately NZ$10.3 billion in tobacco excise tax revenue for the government by 2040, helping to fund other tax cuts.[67][68]
Researchers from the University of Otago warned that thousands of New Zealanders will continue to die needlessly, and that the repeal "flies in the face of robust research evidence."[69] Chris Hipkins suggested the government is "firmly in the pocket of the tobacco industry." [70]
Law and order
In May 2024, Luxon said violent crime was up 33 per cent and retail crime had more than doubled since 2018, and that restoring law and order was a government priority.[71] In response, the coalition government introduced laws banning gang patches and insignia in public places; made gang membership an aggravating factor in sentencing, increased the penalties for gang-related offending, and enacted measures to prevent gang members from gathering in public and from communicating with each other. It has also empowered police with greater authority to search gang members for firearms, particularly through the Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Act 2024, which came into effect in March 2025.[72]
On 6 May 2024, Luxon and Police and Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell announced that the Government would allocate NZ$1.9 billion from the upcoming 2024 New Zealand budget to training 470 new corrections officers and adding 810 beds to Waikeria Prison.[73]
Sentencing
Luxon's Government has reinstated the controversial "three-strikes" legislation, that was repealed by the Labour government in 2022. The new law has 42 qualifying offences and increases mandatory sentencing for repeat serious offenders. It comes into effect on 17 June 2025.[74]
The government has also abolished legal aid funding for section 27 cultural reports, which previously allowed for sentence reductions when the defendant had endured systemic deprivation growing up.[75]
To address the growing prison population, the Government has provided $78 million to extend rehabilitation programs to prisoners on remand and an additional $472 million for overall prison capacity and staff.[76]
Youth crime
In mid November 2022, Luxon announced that the National Party's youth crime policies would include a new Young Serious Offender category for juvenile offenders and would establish boot camps known as Youth Offender Military Academies.[77] In early March 2024, the Government confirmed the Military Style Academy would be run by Oranga Tamariki (the Ministry for Children), claiming it would be different from previous boot camps and have a rehabilitative and trauma-informed care approach.[78] The three-month boot camp commenced on 29 July 2024 at an Oranga Tamariki youth justice facility in Palmerston North, followed by a nine-month community phase.[79]
Multiple studies, official data, and expert commentary spanning several decades indicate that boot camps do not reduce reoffending.[80][81] When Chief Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad expressed concerns, Luxon defended the pilot programme, saying:
"I don't care what you say about whether it does or doesn't work. We can have that intellectual conversation all day long, but we are, dammit, going to try something different because we cannot carry on getting the results that we've been getting (sic)."[82]
Treaty Principles Bill
As part of the coalition agreement with David Seymour, Luxon agreed to support the Treaty Principles Bill at its first reading and send it to a select committee. Luxon made it clear that National would not support the bill beyond that stage or allow it to become law. He has emphasized that the bill does a disservice to the Treaty of Waitangi by oversimplifying 184 years of complex debate and discussion around the Treaty.[83] The bill sparked heated debate in Parliament with MPs describing it as "divisive," and a "wrecking ball" to Crown-Māori relations.[84]
Environmental issues
In early December 2023, Luxon along with Cyclone Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell and Transport and Local Government Minister Simeon Brown, visited Hawke's Bay to meet with local leaders and local National MPs Katie Nimon and Catherine Wedd to discuss government support for post-flood and Cyclone Gabrielle relief efforts in the region.[85][86] During the visit, Luxon confirmed that the Government would pause work on restoring the Napier-Wairoa railway line to focus on repairing State Highway 2.[86]
On 11 February 2024, Luxon and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced that the Government would contribute NZ$63 million to aid the removal of sediment and debris caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in the Hawke's Bay and Gisborne District.[87]
Cabinet reshuffles
In late April 2024, Luxon stripped Melissa Lee of her Media and Communications ministerial portfolio and Penny Simmonds of her Disability Issues portfolio during a cabinet reshuffle. Lee had faced criticism for her response to Warner Bros. Discovery's closure of Newshub while Simmonds had faced criticism over her handling of changes to disability funding and services. Lee was also relieved of her Cabinet position. Luxon appointed Paul Goldsmith to the Media and Communications portfolio, Louise Upston to the Disability Issues portfolio and promoted Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts to the Cabinet.[88]
Local government
On 5 May 2024 Luxon, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown jointly announced that Auckland would avoid a 25.8 percent rates increase as part of the Government's Local Water Done Well plan.[89]
During Local Government New Zealand's annual conference held on 21 August 2024, Luxon called on local and regional councils to focus on rubbish collection, water infrastructure and other local assets. He also criticised so-called "nice to have projects" such as the Tākina convention centre. Luxon also confirmed that Cabinet had agreed to revise the Local Government Act and scrap the four wellbeing provisions in that legislation.[90]
On 23 June 2025, Luxon said he was open to abolishing regional councils as part of the Government's reform of the Resource Management Act 1991.[91]
Education
In early August 2024, Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford announced plans to introduce a new mathematics curriculum from early 2025 with a focus on raising student standards and achievement.[92] In response, the New Zealand Educational Institute expressed concerns that rapid changes to the maths and literacy curriculum and the short teaching training timeframe would strain the teaching workforce without delivering on its goals.[93]
In early August 2025, Luxon and Stanford confirmed that the Government would scrap the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) secondary school qualification over the next five years.[94]
Abuse survivors
On 10 November 2024, Luxon delivered the New Zealand Government's national apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care at Parliament, stating "it was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened.."[95] Luxon also announced that the Government was introducing legislation to combat abuse in care including banning strip searches on children and strengthening security checks for people working with children.[96]
Social welfare
In August 2022, Luxon warned young unemployed people their "free ride" under Labour would come to an end if he won the 2023 election, saying: "To young people who don't want to work you might have a free ride under Labour, but under National, it ends". He further stated National would make sweeping cuts to the Ministry of Social Development in favour of privatised employment agencies and "not keep funding failure".[97]
In August 2024, Luxon and Louise Upston, announced a "traffic light" regime for welfare was introduced, setting out escalating consequences for beneficiaries who fail to meet job-seeking or other obligations. From early 2025, jobseeker beneficiaries are required to reapply for their benefit every six months, instead of annually, and a new community work sanction was introduced requiring beneficiaries to "build skills and confidence."[98] When interviewed shortly afterwards on TVNZ and then on RNZ's Morning Report, Luxon was unable to answer questions about how much beneficiaries actually receive.[99]
Foreign affairs
Since becoming Prime Minister, Luxon has made overseas trips to Australia, the Pacific, south east Asia, Japan, the United States where he also met Chinese leaders. Details of these trips are described here:
According to The Economist and Foreign Policy magazine, New Zealand foreign policy under the National-led coalition government had shifted away from China in favour of closer relations with its traditional Five Eyes partners, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.[100] During an interview with The Economist, Luxon said that he was looking to "diversify New Zealand's diplomatic and trade relationships away from its reliance on China." The magazine described this shift as New Zealand's biggest pivot since the ANZUS dispute in 1986 that was triggered by New Zealand's nuclear-free policy. [101][100]
Foreign Policy columnist Derek Grossman wrote that Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters were continuing a thaw in New Zealand-United States relations that began under National Prime Minister John Key in 2010 and was continued by Labour Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins. Notable examples of this pro-US shift included the Royal New Zealand Navy sending a ship to sail through the disputed Taiwan Strait and the National-led government's expressed interest in partnering with AUKUS and NATO.[102]
In late August 2024, Luxon expressed support for Taiwan's participation in the Pacific Islands Forum in response to Chinese plans to lobby for member states to exclude Taiwan from attending the Forum's 2025 event.[103]
Defence spending
In April 2025, Luxon announced the Government will allocate $12 billion into defence spending over the next four years. Luxon said it was time New Zealand "pulls its weight" internationally. This will bring New Zealand's spending on defence up to 2% of its GDP, up from 1%.[104] The Child Poverty Action Group pointed out that the $12 billion allocated for defence matches the Treasury's estimate needed to halve child poverty by 2028. The Group notes the Auditor-General's criticism of Luxon's government for its lack of a coherent plan to address rising child poverty, underscoring public concerns about resource allocation between defence and social welfare.[105][106]
Australia
On 20 December 2023, Luxon made his first state visit as head of government to Sydney where he met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. During his visit, Luxon affirmed New Zealand's nuclear-free policy but expressed openness to joining the non-nuclear pillar of the AUKUS agreement, but also stated that New Zealand was keen to do its share of "heavy lifting" in the Australia-New Zealand defence relationship. Luxon and Albanese also talked about the contribution of New Zealander Australians to Australia.[107]
Between 9 and 10 August 2025, Luxon hosted Albanese in Queenstown for the annual bilateral head of government talks.[108] During the meeting, the two heads of government discussed various trade and defence issues, the Gaza war and Australia's 501 deportation policy.[109][110] Other local and civil society leaders attended the bilateral meeting including Mayor of Queenstown-Lakes Glyn Lewers, Southland MP Joseph Mooney, Ngai Tahu Tipene O'Regan and Edward Ellison, and New Zealand actor and film-maker Cliff Curtis.[109] The two leaders also laid wreaths at a memorial to fallen ANZAC soldiers in Arrowtown on 10 August.[110]
501 deportation policy
Luxon has consistently expressed strong opposition to Australia's 501 deportation policy, particularly when it results in people with minimal ties to New Zealand being deported. He has repeatedly called the policy "regrettable" and "not right." He has expressed disappointment that Australia reversed its previous, more lenient approach, which took into account the length of time someone had lived in Australia and their family connections before deporting them.[111] He has stated, "It's just not right that people who have no connection to New Zealand are deported to New Zealand."[112]
Following his discussions with Albanese, Luxon said: "We respect the fact that Australia has its own policies around deportation," but hoped that common sense would prevail.[113]
Coalition dynamics
Luxon's leadership and ability to govern effectively have been challenged by the roles and actions of his coalition partners, David Seymour (ACT) and Winston Peters (NZ First). A recurring concern is his perceived lack of control over his coalition partners.[114] A poll in April 2024 found that only 51% of respondents say Luxon is the decision maker in government.[115]
David Seymour has openly challenged Luxon's authority, particularly around contentious issues like the Treaty Principles Bill. Seymour's public skepticism about Luxon's commitments and his willingness to contradict the prime minister in public have reinforced perceptions of Luxon's weak leadership.[116] Seymour even asserts that Luxon cannot unilaterally sack ACT ministers which highlights the limits of Luxon's executive power within the coalition.[117]
On the other hand, Winston Peters is seen as an unpredictable and influential force, who has not hesitated to critique government policy or his own coalition's fiscal plans. In March 2024, he undercut finance minister, Nicola Willis, by claiming a $5.6b fiscal hole would result from her intended tax cuts.[118]
Communication style
Luxon's background as a corporate executive is often cited as influencing his communication style, sometimes to his detriment. He has been criticised for using business jargon – such as referring to voters as "customers"- and for appearing out of touch with ordinary New Zealanders.[119][120] Janet Wilson, former chief press secretary for the National Party said he memorises talking points and sounds like a 'talking robot'.[121]
Luxon has also been repeatedly criticised for avoiding direct answers to straightforward questions, particularly in high-profile media interviews. A notable example occurred during the Andrew Bayly resignation saga, where Luxon was pressed multiple times by Mike Hosking to state whether he would have sacked Bayly if he had not resigned. Luxon sidestepped the question for several minutes, eventually conceding that he would have "demoted" Bayly and that "you can call it sacked" – a performance that was widely described as evasive.[122]
Luxon's approach to coalition management and controversial legislation has also drawn criticism for being diffident and weak. His handling of the ACT Party's Treaty Principles Bill – supporting its introduction, but pledging to vote against it later – has been seen by some as lacking conviction and clarity, further reinforcing perceptions of indecisiveness. Luxon claimed that allowing the Treaty Principles Bill a first reading was "worth it to form government".[123]
Public opinion
In April 2024, a 1News-Verian poll was released, showing the National-ACT-New Zealand First coalition government convincingly behind the left bloc of Labour, the Green Party and Te Pāti Māori. It also cast doubt on the strength of Luxon's leadership compared to that of his coalition partners Winston Peters and David Seymour, with only 51% of respondents believing Luxon was the decision-maker in the government.[124]
A subsequent poll by Talbot Mills suggested a Labour-led government would have a bare majority of 62 seats, while Roy Morgan found 54% of those they surveyed believed New Zealand was heading in "the wrong direction", with just 35% believing it was in the right direction.[125][126][127] In June, a poll showed Luxon fall behind opposition leader Chris Hipkins in net favourability for the first time.[128]
Opinion polls show that Luxon's lack of popularity has deepened over his first 18 months in office. His net favourability is notably lower than previous first-term Prime Ministers such as Helen Clark, John Key, and Jacinda Ardern. Max Rashbrooke, senior research associate at the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, says a common criticism is "Luxon's inability to articulate what he stands for" or what he is trying to achieve for the country.[129]
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Political positions
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My faith is personal to me. It is not in itself a political agenda. I believe no religion should dictate to the State, and no politician should use the political platform they have to force their beliefs on others. As MPs, we serve the common cause of all New Zealanders—not one religion, not one group, not one interest. A person should not be elected because of their faith, nor should they be rejected because of it.
– Luxon's maiden speech, 24 March 2021
Luxon is an evangelical Christian who is recognised as a social conservative.[130][131] In his maiden parliamentary speech, Luxon defined himself as centre-right and moderate;[3] the government he leads has been described as conservative and right-wing, and one of the most so since the 1990s.[132][133][134][135] Luxon supports low taxes,[136][137] making cuts to the Ministry of Social Development,[138] establishing military-style boot-camps for young offenders, and introducing stringent anti-gang legislation, and is opposed to welfare dependency and to co-governance with Māori.[139]
In November 2019, Luxon said he was against abortion, euthanasia, and legalising recreational cannabis, though at the same time he supported medicinal use of cannabis.[140][141] He also at the time supported a "no jab, no pay" policy for sanctioning welfare beneficiaries who did not vaccinate their children;[142] however, following his election as leader of the National Party, Luxon said he did not support cutting the benefits of parents who do not vaccinate their children against COVID-19.[143] Luxon has also firmly stood against efforts to reform New Zealand's water system.
Abortion
Luxon's views on abortion received media attention following his election as National's leader. He confirmed that his personal views are anti-abortion, but said National will not contest the Abortion Legislation Act 2020 should he become prime minister.[144] After previously declining to answer when asked if he believes abortion to be tantamount to murder,[145] he said in an interview with Newshub that he is "a pro-life person," and when asked again about the murder comparison, he responded "that's what a pro-life position is."[146][147]
Conversion therapy
In late November 2021, Luxon said the practice of conversion therapy was "abhorrent".[148][149] In early February 2022, he said he supports New Zealand's LGBT+ community and announced that National MPs would be allowed a conscience vote on the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill.[150][151] The Bill passed its third and final reading on 15 February 2022,[152] and Luxon voted in favour of the Bill's passage.[153]
COVID-19 pandemic
Although Luxon frequently criticized the Labour Government's strategy for managing the Covid-19 pandemic, on 8 January 2022, he stated that the National Party strongly support COVID-19 vaccination, and described vaccination as the best protection for people and their families.[154]
Conflict in Gaza
In response to the Gaza war, Luxon stated that he was shocked and saddened by Hamas's overnight attacks against Israel. Luxon condemned Hamas' attacks and stated that Israel had a right to defend itself.[155]
He later committed New Zealand to active military support, saying "I want us to be in lockstep with our partners who have common interests and actually be right there with them at that time."[156] In January 2024, he authorised depolyment of 6 NZDF personnel to support military action against Houthi forces in the Red Sea, saying "it's about us standing up for things that we believe in, and we can either talk about them or we can actually do something about it as well and make sure that we put real capability alongside our words".[156]
On 30 January 2024, Luxon announced that New Zealand would be suspending its annual NZ$1 million aid to UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East) following allegations that several UNRWA workers had participated in the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.[157] His announcement followed a decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to review New Zealand's aid to UNRWA.[158] On 29 February 2024, Luxon announced New Zealand's designation of Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist entity.[159]
As the war on Gaza unfolded, Luxon's position changed. On 2 December 2024, Luxon confirmed that New Zealand would comply with an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant in the event that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited New Zealand. During a press conference, he stated, "We believe in the international rules-based system, we support the ICC, and we would be obligated to do so."[160] In June 2025, he described New Zealand's sanctions on Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir as "entirely appropriate".[161]
On 13 August 2025, Luxon made remarks in Parliament criticising Israel's conduct of its war in Gaza, describing it as "utterly, utterly appalling." He also said that "I think Netanyahu has gone way too far. I think he has lost the plot." In response, Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel released a post on X (formerly Twitter) stating: "I guess when you don't really need an army because your most deadly enemy is a possum or a cat, you wouldn't comprehend the challenges that come with facing Hamas - a jihadist death cult - only a few kms away from your country, that rape, execute, burn alive and starve your people." [162]
Immigration
On 3 May 2023, Luxon acknowledged the historical sensitivity around the dawn raids of the 1970s which disproportionately targeted Pasifika New Zealanders. However, he stated that Immigration New Zealand needed to "reserve the option" to use police raids against individuals involved in serious criminal offending or who posed a security risk to New Zealand. Luxon also stated there were 14,000 overstayers in New Zealand. Luxon's remarks came in response to media coverage of the agency's recent dawn raid tactics against visa overstayers, which had attracted criticism from Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni for re-traumatising the Pasifika community.[163]
On 11 December 2023, Luxon stated that New Zealand's 118,000 annual net migration rate was unsustainable and that infrastructure needed to be managed better to support growth. Luxon made these remarks after the Australian Government announced a new migration strategy to address pressure on housing and infrastructure in Australia.[164]
Māori issues
In late January 2023, Luxon stated that National opposed co-governance in the delivery of public services such as health, education and critical infrastructure. Nevertheless, he expressed support for "self-driven" initiatives within the Māori community such as Whānau Ora, kohanga reo and charter schools.[165][166] On 25 January, Luxon stated that the existence of Māori seats "doesn't make a lot of sense."[167][168]
During Waitangi Day on 6 February 2023, Luxon described the Treaty of Waitangi as a "challenging, imperfect but ultimately inspiring document through which New Zealand had sought to understand what was intended by those who signed it." While acknowledging that the New Zealand Crown had not upheld the Treaty's promises and obligations, he expressed hope that the Treaty settlement process would be completed by 2030.[169]
During a Question Time in Parliament on 20 August 2024, Luxon said that he believed that Māori ceded sovereignty to the New Zealand Crown by signing the Treaty of Waitangi. When questioned by Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick, Luxon reiterated that the Treaty was New Zealand's founding document and said that it had protected both Māori and Crown interests.
On 19 December 2024, Luxon confirmed that he would not be attending events at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on 4 February 2025, stating that it was his intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around New Zealand with different iwi. National Waitangi Trust chairperson Pita Tipene expressed disappointment with Luxon's decision while Labour leader Chris Hipkins said that Luxon was "running away from problems of his own creation."[170]
Monarchy
Luxon has described himself as a "soft republican" and believes that New Zealand will "ultimately" become a republic, but that the change would not happen "in my Government and in my time."[171]
Extending parliamentary term
On 20 September 2024, Luxon said that the coalition government was open to holding a referendum to extend the parliamentary term from three to four years at the 2026 general election.[172] On 27 February 2025, the government introduced the Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill to conduct a referendum.[173]
Sex education
While Luxon regards sex education as important to the school curriculum, in February 2024 he stated that it should be age appropriate and that parents should be able to withdraw their children from sex education classes if they choose.[174]
School meals
On 1 March 2025, Luxon said that the school lunch programme was experiencing "teething issues" in response to quality and delivery issues with the Government's new school lunch programme. He added that Associate Education Minister Seymour "will work his way through those issues... and I expect he will [find a solution]."[175] On 4 March, Luxon stated during a press conference that parents who were dissatisfied with the school lunch programme should "make a marmite sandwich and put an apple in a bag".[176] Luxon's remarks drew criticism from Hora Hora School principal and Tai Tokerau Principals' Association spokesman Pat Newman, Child Poverty Action Group executive officer Sarita Divis, East Otago High School principal Helen Newcombe, who argued that school lunches were needed to improve the health and educational outcomes of students and combat child poverty.[177][178] In response to criticism, Luxon defended his remarks and reiterated the Government's commitment to addressing problems with the school lunch programme.[179]
Transgender rights
When asked in March 2023 if anti-transgender activist Posie Parker should be allowed to enter New Zealand, Luxon said that he affirmed people's right to free speech but that he "absolutely" supported the rights of New Zealand's transgender community.[180] In mid-August, Luxon said that he believes there is no need for laws specifying which toilets transgender people can use.[181] During a TVNZ debate with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in September, he said that the participation of transgender people in sports is an issue that should be left to sporting bodies.[182]
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Personal life
Summarize
Perspective
Family
Luxon met his wife Amanda at a church youth group[4] and they married on 8 January 1994[183] when he was 23.[184] They have a son and daughter. The couple share the same faith, saying "it quietly guides what they care about".[185]
In late July 2022, Luxon confirmed he was on a family holiday in Hawaii during the parliamentary recess when a Facebook video post published on 21 July implied he was visiting Te Puke at that time. Luxon attributed the confusion to a delay in his social media team updating his whereabouts over the previous week, which he said was a mistake.[186][187]
Religion
Luxon had a Catholic upbringing,[184] describes himself as a Christian[188] or non-denominational Christian,[189] and has been described as an evangelical Christian.[24] He has attended a Baptist church in Auckland as a child; a Presbyterian church in Australia; an Anglican church in England; and non-denominational churches in the United States, Canada and New Zealand.[189] After he returned to New Zealand in 2011 he attended the Upper Room church in Auckland.[184] In 2021 he said he had not attended a church for five or six years.[189]
Interests
Luxon enjoys DIY, listening to country music, waterskiing and fishing.[190][191][185]
Luxon is a supporter of the Crusaders rugby union team[192][193] and Auckland FC in association football.[194] He attended Auckland FC's first ever match in the A-League Men in 2024, where he was pranked by an Auckland FC fan who flicked his nose while posing for a photo.[195]
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Awards
In 2015, Luxon was named the Deloitte Top 200 CEO of the Year for his leadership at Air New Zealand.[196]
In 2019, Luxon won a BLAKE Award for his sustainability initiatives at Air New Zealand.[197]
References
External links
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