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☆ New Zealand National Day Protesters Demonstrate for Indigenous Rights
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Lucy CraymerWELLINGTON (Reuters) - Roughly 600 protesters on Tuesday marched to where New Zealand’s founding document was signed in the town of Waitangi, as official celebrations competed with protests against proposed government policies that threaten Indigenous rights. Demonstrators were protesting New Zealand's centre-right coalition's promises to undo policies that promoted the official use of the Maori language and sought to enhance Indigenous living standards and rights. The protesters arrived carrying signs asking the treaty be honoured and many people were waving the national Maori flag or the United Tribes flag. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and some of his coalition ministers arrived at the venue on Monday and were met by protesters displeased at moves to change Indigenous policy. Protest has long been part of Waitangi celebrations and in 1995 official events had to be cancelled due to anger over government policies.

Persons: Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON, ” Moea Armstrong, Christopher Luxon, Lucy Craymer, Josie Kao Organizations: Reuters, New, Maori, United Tribes, British Crown Locations: Waitangi, New, New Zealand

☆ New Zealand Govt Ministers Heckled by Protesters Ahead of National Day Celebrations
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

During the welcome, or powhiri, Luxon's speech only went ahead after a Maori elder called for respect. The government has also said it will introduce, but are not committed to passing, a bill that would reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi. Organiser are expecting upwards of 60,000 people to attend Waitangi Day events, which started on Saturday making it the biggest event since the 150-year celebrations in 1990. Protest has long been part of Waitangi celebrations and in 1995 official events had to be cancelled due to anger over government policies. In 2016, a minister was struck in the face by a dildo thrown by a woman protesting a trade agreement.

Persons: Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON, Christopher Luxon, we’d, there’d, Luxon, Lucy Craymer, Michael Perry Organizations: Reuters, New, British Crown, Waitangi Locations: New Zealand, Waitangi

☆ New Zealand to Send Defence Team to Support Red Sea Security
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

SYDNEY (Reuters) - New Zealand will deploy a six-member defence team to the Middle East as part of an international coalition to uphold maritime security in the Red Sea, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Tuesday. "Houthi attacks against commercial and naval shipping are illegal, unacceptable and profoundly destabilising," Luxon said during a media briefing. "This deployment ... is a continuation of New Zealand's long history of defending freedom of navigation both in the Middle East and closer to home." They have also deepened concern that fallout from the Israel-Hamas war could destabilize the Middle East. "Any suggestion our ongoing support for maritime security in the Middle East is connected to recent developments in Israel and the Gaza Strip, is wrong," Peters said.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, Luxon, Winston Peters, Peters, Renju Jose, Miral Fahmy Organizations: SYDNEY, Pentagon, Foreign Locations: New Zealand, Red, United States, Britain, Iranian, Yemen, Gaza, Israel, Zealand, . New Zealand, Sydney

☆ Thousands of New Zealand Maori Meet to Discuss Response to Government Plans
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

Maori King Tuheitia, who hosted the event, told attendees their voices matter but it was not just talk, a solution that was needed. Critics say these vows are the most significant step backward for Maori rights in decades, and some have taken legal action. The Maori king had called on tribes from around the country last month to gather at his traditional meeting grounds, or Marae in Ngaruawahia, south of Auckland, to discuss how Maori respond. “Just be Maori, Maori all day, everyday, we are here, we are strong,” he said. The prime minister met the Maori king earlier this week and said he was supportive of the meeting.

Persons: Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON, Tuheitia, we've, Christopher Luxon, “, ” Tuheitia, ”, Luxon, Lucy Craymer, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: Reuters, New Zealand Maori, reo, awa Locations: North Island, Ngaruawahia, Auckland, Waitangi, New

☆ NZ's Maori to Discuss Govt Plans to Row Back on Pro-Indigenous Policies
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

Critics say these vows are the most significant step backward for Maori rights in decades, and some have taken legal action. The government of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says its plans address voters' concerns, and are aimed at giving all New Zealanders equal rights. Ngira Simmonds, the king's chief of staff, said in a statement that the gathering will discuss how the Maori translation of the Treaty of Waitangi can be upheld. Former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley and former Governor General Sylvia Cartwright are both set to speak. The prime minister met the Maori King earlier this week and said he was supportive of the meeting.

Persons: Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON, Christopher Luxon, Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Queen Te Atairangikaahu, Ngira Simmonds, Jenny Shipley, General Sylvia Cartwright, Lucy Craymer, Miral Fahmy Organizations: Reuters, New Zealand Maori, Former Locations: New, Ngaruawahia, Auckland, Waitangi

☆ New Zealand's central bank defends Maori language use
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Governor Adrian Orr is pictured during an interview at the bank in Wellington, New Zealand, April 16, 2019. REUTERS/Charlotte Greenfield/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWELLINGTON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - New Zealand’s central bank chief defended its use of the Maori language in official communications on Wednesday, as the country’s new centre-right government looks to roll back the use of the Indigenous language in the public sector. Central bank governor Adrian Orr said at a media conference following the bank’s monetary policy meeting that it was proud of its Maori name "Te Putea Matua" and would continue to use it in addition to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ). Over the past few years, the RBNZ has undergone an overhaul that puts the country's Maori heritage and language at the centre of its operations. The government has not released specific details on the policies and it is unclear whether they would directly impact the central bank.

Persons: Adrian Orr, Charlotte Greenfield, Orr, Christopher Luxon's, Luxon, Lucy Craymer, Sam Holmes Organizations: Bank of New Zealand, REUTERS, Rights, Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Labour, New Zealand, prudential, Thomson Locations: Wellington , New Zealand, Central, Te Ao

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s new prime minister plans to ban cellphone use in schools and repeal tobacco controls in the ambitious agenda he released Wednesday for his first 100 days in office. Christopher Luxon outlined 49 actions he said his conservative government intended to take over the next three months. Many of the actions in the 100-day plan involve repealing initiatives from the previous liberal government, which had been in office for six years. Political Cartoons View All 1270 ImagesMany of the plans are proving contentious, including the one to repeal tobacco restrictions approved last year by the previous government. Those included requirements for low nicotine levels in cigarettes, fewer retailers and a lifetime ban for youth.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, Luxon, ” Luxon, Critics Organizations: Health Authority Locations: WELLINGTON, New Zealand

☆ New Zealand’s new government scraps world-leading smoking ban to fund tax cuts
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

A year after passing a world-leading smoking ban designed to save thousands of lives and prevent new generations of young adults from smoking, New Zealand has announced a u-turn to help pay for tax cuts, infuriating public health officials and anti-tobacco groups. Marty Melville/AFP/Getty ImagesNew Zealand’s initial smoking ban was hailed by public health officials around the world. Months after New Zealand’s announcement, Britain also unveiled plans to phase out smoking for new generations. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the British government remained committed to phasing out smoking, even after New Zealand’s reversal. The anti-smoking group Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) expressed disappointment at the new coalition’s plans to repeal the smoking ban.

Persons: Chris Luxon, Luxon, Christopher Luxon, Marty Melville, Rishi Sunak, ”, Nicola Willis, Saturday, Mario Tama, Ayeshea Verrall, “ What’s, ” Verrall Organizations: CNN, National Party, New Zealand First, ACT New, Radio New Zealand, Government House, Getty, British, World Health, Radio New, Health Coalition Aotearoa, New Zealanders Locations: New Zealand, ACT New Zealand, Wellington, AFP, Britain, Los Angeles , California, Radio New Zealand, New

☆ New Zealand to Introduce RBNZ Reforms, Lift Cigarette Sale Ban
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

SYDNEY (Reuters) - New Zealand's new government will introduce legislation to reform the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's mandate and lift a ban on the sale of cigarettes to future generations within its first 100 days, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a statement on Wednesday. The centre-right National Party, led by Luxon, returned to power alongside the populist New Zealand First party and libertarian ACT New Zealand after six years of rule by governments led by the left-leaning Labour Party. Luxon, who was sworn in on Monday, said its 49-point action plan was focused on the economy, easing the cost of living and restoring law and order. The coalition will also push ahead with its plans to repeal amendments to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990, including a world-first ban on the sale of cigarettes to future generations. (Reporting by Lewis Jackson in Sydney, Editing by Alasdair Pal)

Persons: Christopher Luxon, Luxon, Lewis Jackson, Alasdair Pal Organizations: SYDNEY, Reserve Bank of New, National Party, New Zealand First, ACT New Zealand, Labour Party, Zealanders, Coalition Government Locations: Sydney

☆ New Zealand's new government sworn in, parliament expected to open next week
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Christopher Luxon, Leader of the National Party speaks to supporters at his election party after winning the general election to become New Zealand’s next prime minister in Auckland, New Zealand, October 14, 2023. REUTERS/David Rowland/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWELLINGTON, Nov 27 (Reuters) - New Zealand’s new right-of-centre government was sworn in on Monday, with parliament expected to sit next week and begin working on new policies including a new central bank mandate and lifting a ban on oil and gas exploration. The New Zealand Green Party on Monday launched a petition to keep the ban on oil and gas exploration. “We ask everyone to stand with us to tell this government that the oil and gas ban has to stay,” Green Party co-leader James Shaw said in a statement. The Green Party has said they will re-introduce a ban on new sources of fossil fuels when they return to government.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, David Rowland, Cindy Kiro, King Charles III, Luxon, TVNZ’s 1News, “ We’ve, we’ve, ”, James Shaw, Lucy Craymer, Lincoln Organizations: National Party, New, REUTERS, Rights, National, Government House, Wellington ., ACT New Zealand, New Zealand, Zealand Green Party, Monday, ” Green Party, Green Party, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, British, New, Wellington, New Zealand

☆ New Zealand's New Government Sworn In, Parliament Expected to Open Next Week
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

By Lucy CraymerWELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand’s new right-of-centre government was sworn in on Monday, with parliament expected to sit next week and begin working on new policies including a new central bank mandate and lifting a ban on oil and gas exploration. “We’ve got the team, we’ve got the ideas, we’ve got a clear policy program for the next three years,” he said. The New Zealand Green Party on Monday launched a petition to keep the ban on oil and gas exploration. “We ask everyone to stand with us to tell this government that the oil and gas ban has to stay,” Green Party co-leader James Shaw said in a statement. The Green Party has said they will re-introduce a ban on new sources of fossil fuels when they return to government.

Persons: Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON, Cindy Kiro, King Charles III, Christopher Luxon, Luxon, TVNZ’s 1News, “ We’ve, we’ve, ”, James Shaw, Lucy Craymer, Lincoln Organizations: Reuters, National, Government House, Wellington ., ACT New Zealand, New Zealand, Zealand Green Party, Monday, ” Green Party, Green Party Locations: British, New, Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters arrives at a news conference after he attended an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, Turkey, March 22, 2019. The role of deputy prime minister, a key sticking point in the discussions, will be split between the populist NZ First party leader Winston Peters and ACT party leader David Seymour, the group announced in a statement. National Party deputy leader Nicola Willis will be finance minister and Peters will be foreign minister, the parties said. The coalition plans to repeal a ban on offshore oil and gas exploration and a ban on the sale of cigarettes to future generations introduced by the previous Labour government, according to coalition documents. "Foreign affairs does matter to this country.... all relationships do matter to this country," Peters said in a joint news conference in the capital Wellington after the announcement.

Persons: Winston Peters, Murad Sezer, David Seymour, Nicola Willis, Peters, Christopher Luxon, Luxon, ” Luxon, Jacinda, Helen Clark, Lucy Craymer, Praveen Menon, Diane Craft Organizations: Zealand's, of Islamic Cooperation, REUTERS, ACT NZ, National Party, NZ First, ACT, Party, Reserve, New Zealand, Bank of New, Labour, “, New Zealanders, Police, Thomson Locations: Istanbul, Turkey, WELLINGTON, Bank of New Zealand, Wellington, Niue

☆ New Zealand's National Party confirms coalition gov't
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( Reuters Editorial | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

PoliticsNew Zealand's National Party confirms coalition gov'tPostedNew Zealand's incoming prime minister Christopher Luxon said on Thursday (November 23) his National Party had reached an agreement with ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form a government, ending weeks of negotiations and political uncertainty with the country under a caretaker government.

Persons: Christopher Luxon Organizations: New, National Party, ACT New, New Zealand Locations: ACT New Zealand, New

WELLINGTON, Nov 23 (Reuters) - New Zealand's National Party said on Thursday it has reached an agreement with ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form a government, ending weeks of negotiations and political uncertainty with the country under a caretaker government. The center-right National Party won the largest share of votes in New Zealand's Oct. 14 general election but needed the support of both right-wing ACT New Zealand and the populist New Zealand First parties to form a majority government. "I'm very pleased to announce that we're in a position where we've concluded negotiations with the respective parties. Christopher Luxon, leader of New Zealand's National Party waves to supporters at his election party after winning the general election in Auckland, New Zealand, October 14, 2023. The conservative National Party won over voters by promising relief for struggling middle-income New Zealanders, and to bring historically high inflation under control while reducing the country's debt.

Persons: we've, Christopher Luxon, David Rowland, Winston Peters, Act's David Seymour, Lucy Craymer, Renju Jose, Stephen Coates Organizations: WELLINGTON, National Party, ACT New, New Zealand, ACT New Zealand, New, National, REUTERS, NZ, Zealanders, Labour, Thomson Locations: ACT New Zealand, New, Auckland , New Zealand, New Zealanders

☆ New Zealand's National Party reaches deal to form government
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 03: Incoming Prime Minister and National Party leader Christopher Luxon speaks during a media stand-up at Parliament on November 03, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. Special votes cast overseas and by mail were certified on Friday, finally sealing the results of New Zealand's general elections. The Labour party was soundly defeated by the National Party, led by Christopher Luxon, winning the most votes. National will however need the support of both ACT and NZ First parties to form the next coalition Government. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)New Zealand's National Party has reached an agreement with ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form a government, and the final signoff could be done later on Thursday, the leaders said.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, Hagen Hopkins, ACT's David Seymour, New Zealand First's Winston Peters Organizations: WELLINGTON, Incoming, National Party, New, Labour, ACT, NZ, Government, Getty, ACT New, New Zealand, ACT New Zealand, Zealand Locations: ZEALAND, Wellington , New Zealand, ACT New Zealand, New

☆ New Zealand's National Party Reaches Deal to Form Government
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand's National Party has reached an agreement with ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form a government, and the final signoff could be done later on Thursday, the leaders said. The conservative National Party won the largest share of votes in New Zealand's Oct. 14 general election but needed the support of both right-wing ACT New Zealand and the populist New Zealand First Parties to form a majority government. The statement did not include details of any ministerial appointments or the incoming government's policy priorities. Currently, the government is being operated by the former Labour government, which is operating in caretaker mode. (Reporting by Lucy Craymer and Renju Jose; Editing by Jamie Freed and Stephen Coates)

Persons: Christopher Luxon, ACT's David Seymour, New Zealand First's Winston Peters, Lucy Craymer, Renju Jose, Jamie Freed, Stephen Coates Organizations: WELLINGTON, Reuters, National Party, ACT New, New Zealand, ACT New Zealand, Zealand, Labour Locations: ACT New Zealand, New

☆ New Zealand PM-elect says 'significant milestone' reached in forming govt
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Christopher Luxon, leader of New Zealand's National Party waves to supporters at his election party after winning the general election in Auckland, New Zealand, October 14, 2023. REUTERS/David Rowland/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWELLINGTON, Nov 20 (Reuters) - New Zealand's Prime Minister elect Christopher Luxon said on Monday that a "significant milestone" had been achieved in forming a government overnight with the National Party, ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First agreeing on policy programmes. National won the largest share of votes in New Zealand's Oct. 14 general election but needs both NZ First and ACT to form a government. Luxon told reporters in Auckland that National had agreed their policy programmes with ACT and NZ First. Luxon said he did not expect that to take too long, and discussions would focus on these decisions this afternoon.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, David Rowland, Luxon, Newshub, Lucy Craymer, Miral Organizations: New, National, REUTERS, Rights, Zealand's, National Party, ACT New, New Zealand, NZ First, ACT, NZ, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, ACT New Zealand, New, Auckland

☆ New Zealand PM-Elect Says 'Significant Milestone' Reached in Forming Govt
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand's Prime Minister elect Christopher Luxon said on Monday that a "significant milestone" had been achieved in forming a government overnight with the National Party, ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First agreeing on policy programmes. National won the largest share of votes in New Zealand's Oct. 14 general election but needs both NZ First and ACT to form a government. Luxon told reporters in Auckland that National had agreed their policy programmes with ACT and NZ First. Website Newshub reported that Luxon said he was very relieved to have finished that part of the coalition talks. Luxon said he did not expect that to take too long, and discussions would focus on these decisions this afternoon.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, Luxon, Newshub, Lucy Craymer, Miral Fahmy Organizations: WELLINGTON, Reuters, Zealand's, National Party, ACT New, New Zealand, National, NZ First, ACT, NZ Locations: ACT New Zealand, New, Auckland

☆ New Zealand Prime Minister-elect unlikely to attend APEC as coalition talks continue
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Christopher Luxon, leader of New Zealand's National Party waves to supporters at his election party after winning the general election in Auckland, New Zealand, October 14, 2023. REUTERS/David Rowland//File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWELLINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - New Zealand’s Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon said on Monday that it was unlikely he would attend the APEC meeting in San Francisco later this week as coalition negotiations are ongoing. Luxon told 1News that he does not expect to attend APEC as "good progress" is being made by the two parties and he wants to ensure negotiations conclude and a government is formed. I think that's why it's unlikely I'll head out to APEC on Wednesday evening," he said. If Luxon does not attend APEC, New Zealand will send a representative from both the caretaker government and a National Party member.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, David Rowland, Luxon, 1News, Lucy Craymer, Diane Craft Organizations: New, National, REUTERS, Rights, Zealand’s, APEC, National Party, ACT New Zealand, New Zealand, Labour, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, San Francisco, Zealand, New Zealand

☆ New Zealand's Prime Minister-elect Luxon says coalition negotiations continue
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Christopher Luxon, Leader of the National Party waves to supporters at his election party after winning the general election to become New Zealand’s next prime minister in Auckland, New Zealand, October 14, 2023. REUTERS/David Rowland/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWELLINGTON, Oct 25 (Reuters) - New Zealand’s Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon said on Wednesday that negotiations were ongoing with potential coalition partners ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First, as the country awaits final results of the general election. Luxon’s conservative National Party and preferred coalition partner ACT won a one-seat majority in the general election Oct. 14. However, this majority could be eroded after special votes are counted and final results are released Nov. 3. He said once special votes are counted, the parties will move quickly to form a government.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, David Rowland, ” Luxon, Lucy Craymer, Rod Nickel Organizations: National Party, New, REUTERS, Rights, Zealand’s, ACT New, New Zealand, ACT, Labour, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, ACT New Zealand, New, Zealand

☆ Safe-haven dollar steady near one-week high on Middle East conflict
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Joice Alves | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Oct 16 (Reuters) - The dollar held near a one-week high on Monday with fragile sentiment against a backdrop of conflict in the Middle East supporting demand for the safe-haven currency. "The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues and is providing volatility to the financial markets with the traditional safe-haven flows. There was some respite for the euro and sterling, which were off one-week lows touched on Friday against the dollar. YEN WATCHINGThe yen was flat at 149.54 per dollar, close to the sensitive 150-level. The yen is still perceived as a safe asset along with the Swiss franc and U.S. dollar, Kanda added.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Jerome Powell, Jens Peter Sørensen, Benjamin Netanyahu, Poland's zloty, Lukazs Janczak, Christopher Luxon, Masato Kanda, Kanda, James Malcolm, Joice Alves, Rae Wee, Vidya Ranganathan, Kirsten Donovan, Emelia Organizations: REUTERS, Federal, Hamas, Danske Bank, country's, Sterling, Erste Group, National Party, ACT, New Zealand, Swiss, ., UBS, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, Israeli, Poland, New, London

☆ Dollar buoyed by safe-haven bids, rate jitters
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The yen was last steady at 149.53 per dollar. "Obviously war is inflationary, disrupts growth and threatens risk assets," James Malcolm, head of FX strategy at UBS in London. Elsewhere, the safe-haven dollar stood near a one-week high against a basket of currencies as risk sentiment remained fragile, pinning the euro near a one-week low hit on Friday. The Australian dollar , often used as a proxy for risk appetite, gained 0.19% to $0.6309, after sliding 1.4% last week. "The kiwi dollar jumped this morning following a clear and decisive victory of New Zealand's opposition National Party," said Kyle Rodda, senior financial market analyst at Capital.com.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Benjamin Netanyahu, James Malcolm, David Chao, Christopher Luxon, Chris Hipkins, Kyle Rodda Organizations: Federal, U.S, country's, Bank of Japan, UBS, Sterling, Asia Pacific, Australian, Economic, of New, New Zealand, National Party, ACT, Labor Party, New Zealand First Locations: Chicago, Israeli, Asia, Gaza, London, Friday's, Israel, Japan, of New York

☆ New Zealand PM-elect Luxon says Willis 'locked in' as finance minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Christopher Luxon, Leader of the National Party waves to supporters at his election party after winning the general election to become New Zealand’s next prime minister in Auckland, New Zealand, October 14, 2023. REUTERS/David Rowland/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 17 (Reuters) - New Zealand's prime minister-elect, Christopher Luxon, said that Nicola Willis was "locked in" to become the country's next finance minister, at a Tuesday news conference as talks continued with likely coalition partners. Luxon's centre-right National Party and preferred coalition partner ACT New Zealand won a razor-thin electoral victory on Saturday, together securing 61 seats in 121-seat parliament. Willis, National's finance spokesperson, was widely expected to become minister of finance, according to media reports. "The only two people we've locked in is Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis," Luxon told reporters, without giving details on the rest of his cabinet.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, David Rowland, Nicola Willis, Luxon, Willis, Chris Luxon, Renju Jose, Aurora Ellis Organizations: National Party, New, REUTERS, ACT New Zealand, ACT, New Zealand, Labour, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, New Zealand, Sydney

☆ Explainer: New Zealand voted for change, what happens now?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Christopher Luxon, Leader of the National Party arrives at his election party after winning the general election to become New Zealand’s next prime minister in Auckland, New Zealand, October 14, 2023. National won 50 seats and the right-wing, free-market ACT Party won 11, securing a majority of just one seat in the 121-seat parliament, according to provisional results from the Electoral Commission. If they do, National may need the support of populist New Zealand First and its leader Winston Peters to form a government. National's leader Christopher Luxon said he would wait for the final count to come in but was talking with both ACT and New Zealand First. Parliament has to meet with six weeks of the official election result but there is no date for when a government must be formed.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, David Rowland, Winston Peters, Luxon, Nicola Willis, Zealand First's Peters, Brooke van Velden, Lucy Craymer, Lincoln Organizations: National Party, New, REUTERS, Rights, Party, National, ACT Party, Electoral, ACT, New Zealand, WHO, Labour Party, APEC, BE, Zealand, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, Zealand, Wellington

☆ New Zealand Prime Minister-elect Luxon to get cracking on building coalition relationships
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Christopher Luxon, Leader of the National Party waves to supporters at his election party after winning the general election to become New Zealand’s next prime minister in Auckland, New Zealand, October 14, 2023. REUTERS/David Rowland/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWELLINGTON, Oct 16 (Reuters) - New Zealand's prime minister-elect, Christopher Luxon, said on Monday while his party was waiting for special votes to be counted, they would also "get cracking" on building relationships with both ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First. Luxon's centre-right National Party and preferred coalition partner ACT won a razor-thin electoral victory on Saturday, together securing 61 seats in 121 seat parliament. Luxon told government-funded Radio New Zealand on Monday that National would be waiting for the special votes to be counted but were going to get started on building relationships and having conversations with both ACT and New Zealand First. He added he would ideally like to have a government formed before the APEC meeting in November but that this will depend on the special votes and how negotiations have progressed.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, David Rowland, Luxon, Lucy Craymer, Sandra Maler Organizations: National Party, New, REUTERS, Rights, ACT New, New Zealand, ACT, National, APEC, Labour, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, ACT New Zealand, New, Luxon's, New Zealand, Wellington

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