Christopher Luxon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christopher Luxon
MP
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Campaign portrait, 2023
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| 42nd Prime Minister of New Zealand | |
| Assumed office 27 November 2023 |
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| Monarch | Charles III |
| Governor-General | Cindy Kiro |
| Deputy | Winston Peters |
| Preceded by | Chris Hipkins |
| 15th Leader of the National Party | |
| Assumed office 30 November 2021 |
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| Deputy | Nicola Willis |
| Preceded by | Judith Collins |
| 5th Minister for National Security and Intelligence | |
| Assumed office 27 November 2023 |
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| Prime Minister | Himself |
| Preceded by | Chris Hipkins |
| 40th Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 30 November 2021 – 27 November 2023 |
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| Prime Minister |
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| Deputy | Nicola Willis |
| Preceded by | Judith Collins |
| Succeeded by | Chris Hipkins |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Botany |
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| Assumed office 17 October 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Jami-Lee Ross |
| Majority | 16,337 |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Christopher Mark Luxon
19 July 1970 Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Political party | National |
| Spouse |
Amanda
(m. 1994) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Canterbury (BCom; MCom) |
| Known for | Former CEO of Air New Zealand, Former employee of Unilever Canada |
| Signature |  |
Christopher Mark Luxon (born 19 July 1970) is a New Zealand politician and former business leader. He has been the 42nd prime minister of New Zealand since 2023. Before becoming Prime Minister, he was the Leader of the Opposition from 2021 to 2023. He has also been the leader of the National Party since 2021.
Luxon has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Botany area since 2020. From 2012 to 2019, he was the chief executive officer (CEO) of Air New Zealand, a major airline.
Luxon was born in Christchurch and spent his childhood in Howick in East Auckland. He studied business at the University of Canterbury. He worked for a company called Unilever for many years, including a senior role in Canada. In 2011, he joined Air New Zealand and became its CEO the next year.
He entered politics in 2019, winning the chance to represent the National Party in the Botany area. He won the seat in the 2020 general election. In 2021, he became the leader of the National Party. He led his party to win the 2023 general election. He became Prime Minister on 27 November 2023, leading a government with two other parties: ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First.
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Early Life and Education
Christopher Mark Luxon was born in Christchurch on 19 July 1970. His family moved to Howick in Auckland when he was seven. His father worked in sales, and his mother was a counsellor.
He attended Saint Kentigern College and Howick College before returning to Christchurch. He finished high school at Christchurch Boys' High School. From 1989 to 1992, he studied at the University of Canterbury, earning a Master of Commerce degree. During his school and university years, he worked part-time at McDonald's and as a porter at a hotel.
Business Career
Luxon worked for Unilever from 1993 to 2011, starting in Wellington. He moved to Sydney, London, and Chicago, taking on more senior roles. In 2008, he became the president of Unilever's operations in Canada.
In 2011, he joined Air New Zealand as a group general manager. He became the chief executive officer (CEO) in 2012. During his eight years as CEO, Air New Zealand's profits grew. The company was also named Australia's most trusted brand several times.
In 2019, Luxon announced he was leaving Air New Zealand. He hinted that he might start a career in politics with the National Party. Later, it was found that a part of Air New Zealand had helped Royal Saudi Navy ships. Luxon said he did not remember this and that it was a mistake that he wasn't told about all military contracts.
Early Political Career
Becoming a Member of Parliament
After a previous MP left the National Party, Luxon became the National Party's candidate for the Botany area in 2019. This area was considered a safe seat for the National Party. He won the selection against several other candidates.
| New Zealand Parliament | ||||
| Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party |
| 2020–2023 | 53rd | Botany | 61 | National |
| 2023–present | 54th | Botany | 1 | National
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In Opposition (2020–2023)
In the 2020 general election, Luxon won the Botany seat with 52% of the votes. This happened even though the National Party lost many seats across the country. In his first speech in Parliament, Luxon spoke about the importance of Christians in public life.
He was given roles as a spokesperson for local government, science, and manufacturing. In April 2021, there was talk that Luxon might become the leader of the National Party. On 30 November 2021, he was announced as the party's new leader. This happened after the previous leader, Judith Collins, was removed.
In August 2022, Luxon joined Prime Minister Ardern on a visit to Samoa. This trip celebrated Samoa's 60th anniversary of independence and strengthened ties between the two countries. Before the 2023 general election, Luxon criticized other left-wing parties in Parliament.
Prime Minister (2023–present)
On 14 October 2023, Christopher Luxon led the National Party to win the 2023 general election. They won 48 seats. Luxon kept his Botany seat with 67% of the votes. After discussions with ACT and New Zealand First, Luxon was sworn in as Prime Minister on 27 November.
Domestic Politics
In late November 2023, Luxon announced his Government's 100-day plan. This plan included 49 goals related to the economy, cost of living, law and order, and public services. In December 2023, he visited Hawke's Bay to discuss support for areas affected by the floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. He confirmed that work on a railway line would be paused to focus on repairing a main highway.
In mid-December 2023, Luxon confirmed he used public funds for Māori language lessons. He said it helped him in his role as a leader. In February 2024, Luxon announced that the Government would provide NZ$63 million to help clean up areas affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. He also lowered the spending limit for ministerial cars to save money.
On 18 February, Luxon gave his first State of the Nation address. He spoke about improving the economy by reducing government spending. He also attended the Big Gay Out festival in Auckland but left early due to protesters.
In April 2024, Luxon announced a new 36-point plan for the next three months. This plan focused on the economy, law and order, and public services. Key points included tax relief, improving rental markets, bringing back charter schools, and reviewing firearms laws. He also made changes to his team of ministers, giving new roles to Paul Goldsmith and Louise Upston.
Public opinion polls showed varying levels of support for the government. Luxon said that his government was focused on making "tough and necessary decisions." In May 2024, Luxon announced that Auckland would avoid a large rates increase. He also announced NZ$1.9 billion for training new corrections officers and adding prison beds.
In August 2024, Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford announced plans for a new mathematics curriculum. This aims to improve student standards. Luxon also called on local councils to focus on basic services like rubbish collection and water. On 10 November 2024, Luxon gave a national apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. He announced new laws to prevent future abuse. In December 2024, Luxon confirmed he would not attend the main Waitangi Treaty Grounds events in 2025. He said he wanted to celebrate Waitangi Day in different parts of New Zealand.
Foreign Affairs
On 20 December 2023, Luxon made his first international visit as Prime Minister to Sydney, Australia. He met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. During his visit, Luxon confirmed New Zealand's nuclear-free policy. He also said New Zealand was open to joining parts of the AUKUS security agreement.
On 30 January 2024, Luxon announced that New Zealand would stop its annual aid to UNRWA (a UN agency for Palestinian refugees). This was due to allegations against some UNRWA workers. On 29 February 2024, Luxon announced that New Zealand had officially called Hamas a terrorist group.
In mid-April 2024, Luxon visited Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. This trip was to strengthen New Zealand's relationships with Southeast Asian countries. He met with leaders to discuss trade, defence, and security.
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In early June 2024, Luxon visited Niue. He announced an agreement to improve the relationship between the two countries. New Zealand also promised NZ$20.5 million for a new renewable energy project in Niue.
In mid-June 2024, Luxon hosted Chinese Premier Li Qiang in New Zealand. During the visit, China agreed to allow New Zealanders to travel without a visa. New Zealand also agreed to support Chinese language and cultural programs.
Later in June, Luxon led a business group on a visit to Japan. Their plane had mechanical issues, so Luxon took a commercial flight. In Japan, he met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. They signed an agreement to share intelligence.
On 9 July 2024, Luxon traveled to Washington, D.C. for a summit. He met with US officials and members of Congress. He also promised NZ$16 million to support Ukraine. He met with US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other world leaders.
In September 2024, Luxon visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to discuss a partnership. In November, he attended the 2024 APEC Summit. He met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Biden.
Political Views
Luxon describes himself as centre-right in politics. He is a Christian and has been described as an evangelical Christian. He supports lower taxes and wants to make changes to welfare. He also supports military-style boot-camps for young offenders. He is against welfare dependency and some forms of co-governance with Māori.
Conversion Therapy
In 2021, Luxon said he found conversion therapy "abhorrent." In 2022, he allowed National MPs to vote freely on a law to ban conversion practices. He later voted in favour of the law, supporting New Zealand's LGBT+ community.
COVID-19 Responses
In December 2021, Luxon called for lifting border restrictions in Auckland. He also questioned the effectiveness of police checkpoints. In January 2022, he confirmed that he and the National Party strongly support COVID-19 vaccination. He called for rapid antigen testing in schools and for New Zealand's borders to reopen. He also wanted a clear timeline for ending vaccine mandates.
Fertility
In June 2023, Luxon made a lighthearted remark that New Zealanders should have more babies. He noted that the country's birth rate had fallen below the level needed to replace its population.
Foreign Affairs
In response to the October 2023 Gaza−Israel conflict, Luxon condemned attacks by Hamas. He stated that Israel had a right to defend itself.
Gangs
In June 2022, Luxon announced that if National was elected, they would introduce anti-gang laws. These laws would ban gang symbols in public and give police powers to break up gang gatherings. He said these policies would be "zero tolerance." Some people criticized these ideas, saying they might affect human rights or be hard to enforce.
Immigration
In May 2023, Luxon said that Immigration New Zealand should be able to use "dawn raids" for serious criminals or security risks. He acknowledged the historical sensitivity of such raids, especially for Pasifika New Zealanders.
Māori Issues
In January 2023, Luxon stated that National was against co-governance in public services. However, he supported Māori involvement in decision-making and Māori-led initiatives. He also said that Māori seats in Parliament "don't make a lot of sense."
On Waitangi Day in February 2023, Luxon described the Treaty of Waitangi as a "challenging, imperfect but ultimately inspiring document." He hoped that the Treaty settlement process would be finished by 2030. In May 2023, Luxon said he would not work with Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party) if National formed the next government. He disagreed with their support for co-governance.
Monarchy
Luxon has said he is a "soft republican," meaning he believes New Zealand will eventually become a republic. However, he does not think this change will happen during his time as Prime Minister. He has expressed support for King Charles III. In May 2023, he attended the coronation of Charles III as part of the official New Zealand delegation.
Transgender Rights
In March 2023, Luxon supported people's right to free speech. He also said he "absolutely" supported the rights of New Zealand's transgender community. In August, he said there was no need for laws about which toilets transgender people can use. He believes that decisions about transgender people in sports should be made by sports organizations.
Welfare
In July 2022, Luxon said that a future National Government would offer job coaches for young people on welfare. Those who find a job and stay off welfare for 12 months would get NZ$1,000. However, those who do not follow their plan would face "sanctions." He warned young unemployed people that their "free ride" would end under a National government.
Personal Life
Luxon grew up Catholic and describes himself as a Christian. He has attended different types of churches over the years. He met his wife, Amanda, at a church youth group, and they married in 1994. They have a son and a daughter. Their shared faith guides their values.
He enjoys DIY (do-it-yourself) projects, listening to country music, waterskiing, and fishing. Luxon owns several houses, including one in Remuera worth over $7 million. He is one of the wealthiest leaders of the National Party in history.
In March 2024, Luxon faced criticism for claiming a living allowance while living in his own apartment in Wellington. He later said he would pay the allowance back. In July 2022, he confirmed he was on a family holiday in Hawaii when a social media post suggested he was elsewhere. He said this was a mistake by his social media team. Luxon supports the Crusaders rugby union team.
See also
In Spanish: Christopher Luxon para niños
Images for kids
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Christopher Luxon's signature
