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Christopher Luxon

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Christopher Luxon
MP
Luxon in 2021
40th Leader of the Opposition
Incumbent
Assumed office
30 November 2021
Prime MinisterJacinda Ardern
DeputyNicola Willis
Preceded byJudith Collins
15th Leader of the National Party
Incumbent
Assumed office
30 November 2021
DeputyNicola Willis
Preceded byJudith Collins
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for Botany
Incumbent
Assumed office
17 October 2020
Preceded byJami-Lee Ross
Majority3,999
Personal details
Born (1970-07-19) 19 July 1970 (age 54)
Christchurch, New Zealand
Political partyNational
SpouseAmanda Luxon
Children2
Known forFormer CEO of Air New Zealand
WebsiteOfficial website

Christopher Mark Luxon[1] (born 19 July 1970) is a New Zealand politician and former business executive who is currently serving as leader of the New Zealand National Party and is the Leader of the Opposition. He has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Botany electorate since the 2020 general election. He was the chief executive officer of Air New Zealand[2][3] from 2012 to 2019. Luxon also served in Judith Collins' shadow cabinet as Spokesperson for Local Government, Research, Science, Manufacturing and Land Information, as well as being the Associate Spokesperson for Transport. He has been leader since 30 November 2021, succeeding Collins.[4]

Early life

Luxon was born in Christchurch on 19 July 1970[5][6] and lived there until age 7 when his family moved to Howick in Auckland. His father worked for Johnson & Johnson as a sales executive and his mother worked as a psychotherapist and counsellor. After a year's schooling at each of Saint Kentigern College and Howick College, the family returned to Christchurch and Luxon spent three years at Christchurch Boys' High School.[7][8][9] He studied at the University of Canterbury from 1989 to 1992, gaining a Master of Commerce (Business Administration) degree.[10]

Career before politics

Luxon worked for Unilever in the 18 years from 1993 to 2011, being based in Wellington (1993–1995), Sydney (1995–2000), London (2000–2003), Chicago (2003–2008) and Toronto (2008–2011).[7] He rose to be the President and chief executive officer of its Canadian operations.[11]

He joined Air New Zealand as Group General Manager in May 2011 and was named the chief executive officer in 19 June 2012, succeeding Rob Fyfe at the end of that year.[6] 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.[12] He joined the boards of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand and Virgin Australia in 2014.[2] In 2018, Luxon and Air New Zealand was heavily criticised by the worker's unions Aviation and Marine Engineers Association and E tū over a pay dispute.[13] The unions had planned a three-day strike during Christmas of the same year, but the parties reached an agreement and the strike was called off. [14] On 20 June 2019, Luxon announced that he was resigning from Air New Zealand and hinted at a possible career with the National Party.[15]

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 them 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" – the latter claim being disputed by his successor Greg Foran. It was met with criticism from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman.[16] Luxon later admitted that Air New Zealand not having a process where its chief executive would be told about all military contracts "was a mistake".[17]

Political career

New Zealand Parliament
Years Term Electorate List Party
2020–present 53rd Botany 61 National

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,[3] in November 2019. He won in a selection contest with National Party list MP Agnes Loheni, Howick Local Board chair Katrina Bungard, cancer drug campaigner Troy Elliott, and tech businessman Jake Bezzant, who was later selected as National's candidate for Upper Harbour.[3][18]

Luxon won the seat in the 2020 New Zealand general election, defeating Labour's candidate Naisi Chen by a margin of 3,999 votes.[19][20][21]

In his maiden speech, Luxon praised Martin Luther King Jr and Kate Sheppard as part of a defence of the role in public life of Christians such as himself, an identity that "it seems it has become acceptable to stereotype."[22]

It was often speculated that Luxon would become leader of the National Party.[23] After the removal of Judith Collins as party leader on 25 November 2021, Luxon was cited as a potential replacement.[24] He took the leadership on 30 November, following the withdrawal of his main opponent, Simon Bridges.[25]

Political views

In November 2019, Luxon said he was against abortion, euthanasia, and legalising recreational cannabis, though at the same time he supported medicinal cannabis.[26][27] He also at the time supported a "no jab, no pay" policy for sanctioning welfare beneficiaries who do not vaccinate their children;[28] however, following his election as leader, Luxon said he did not support cutting the benefit of parents who do not vaccinate their children against COVID-19.[29] Luxon reiterated support for National's vote against the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill, but said the practice was "abhorrent".[30][31]

Abortion

Luxon's views on abortion received media attention following his election as National's leader. He confirmed that his personal views are pro-life, but said he would not change abortion laws should he become prime minister. The pro-choice Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand put out a statement describing his views as "not representative of the values of mainstream New Zealanders."[32] He was questioned about being one of only 15 MPs to vote against the first reading of a member's bill that would establish safe areas around abortion facilities. He said that he was now able to support the bill following changes to it at the select committee stage that made it compliant with the New Zealand Bill of Rights.[33] After previously declining to answer when asked if believes abortion to be tantamount to murder,[33] 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."[34]

COVID-19 pandemic responses

On 8 December 2021, Luxon called for the lifting of Auckland's border restrictions with Northland after The New Zealand Herald reported that the Ministry of Health had proposed that the Auckland border should be lifted in tandem with the country's transition into the COVID-19 Protection Framework on 3 December. However, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins had opted to retain the Auckland border until 15 December in order to reduce the risk of community transmissions and boost regional vaccination rates.[35][36] Luxon has also questioned the effectiveness of the checkpoints led and managed by police in the Auckland–Northland boundary.[37]

Personal life

Luxon had a Catholic upbringing,[38] describes himself as a Christian[39] or non-denominational Christian,[40] and has been described as an evangelical Christian.[3] 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.[40] After he returned to New Zealand in 2011 he attended the Upper Room church in Auckland.[38] He had not attended a church for several years.[40] He met his wife Amanda at a church youth group[8] and they married when he was 23.[38] They have a son and daughter, William and Olivia.[38] He says he enjoys DIY, listens to country music and likes to waterski.[41]

References

  1. ^ "Who is the new National Party leader Christopher Luxon?". Newshub. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Christopher Luxon". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on 10 November 2019. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d Block, George (4 November 2019). "National chooses former Air NZ boss Christopher Luxon as Botany MP candidate". Stuff. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  4. ^ "Live: Chris Luxon to lead the National Party". Stuff. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  5. ^ https://www.facebook.com/christopherluxon/posts/520979069349458
  6. ^ a b "Air New Zealand Announces New Chief Executive Officer". Scoop. 19 June 2012. Archived from the original on 11 June 2019. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  7. ^ a b Luxon, Christopher. "LinkedIn page of Christopher Luxon". LinkedIn.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ a b Bradley, Grant (7 June 2013). "Air NZ's flying salesman". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 12 November 2019.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ Espiner, Guyon (24 February 2016). "Christopher Luxon: New heights of success". New Zealand Listener. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  10. ^ "Former Air NZ CEO Christopher Luxon showed 'enormous' intellectual capability but rarely met with 'ordinary workers'". Stuff. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  11. ^ "About Christopher". New Zealand National Party. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  12. ^ "Former Air NZ CEO Christopher Luxon showed 'enormous' intellectual capability but rarely met with 'ordinary workers'". Stuff. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  13. ^ "Union and Air NZ to meet with goal of averting Christmas strike planned for busiest day of the year". Stuff. 7 December 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  14. ^ "Air NZ engineers' strike called off: 'Nothing really about it has been particularly clear'". RNZ. 12 December 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  15. ^ "Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon resigns, hints at political move". New Zealand Herald. 20 June 2019. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  16. ^ Kronast, Hannah (9 February 2021). "Former Air NZ CEO, National MP Christopher Luxon says he was unaware of Saudi navy contract". Newshub. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  17. ^ "Former Air NZ boss Chris Luxon says military contract process was 'a mistake'". New Zealand Herald. 12 February 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  18. ^ "National selects Christopher Luxon as its new candidate for Botany". The New Zealand Herald. 5 November 2019. Archived from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  19. ^ "Botany – Official Result". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  20. ^ Small, Zane (18 October 2020). "NZ Election 2020 – Winners and losers: Chris Luxon a victory for National but Labour flips flood of seats red". Newshub. Archived from the original on 18 October 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  21. ^ Weekes, John (18 October 2020). "Election 2020: Chris Luxon cruises to victory as new Botany MP". Stuff. Archived from the original on 18 October 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  22. ^ Young, Audrey (14 March 2021). "Former Air NZ boss Christopher Luxon explains his Christian faith in maiden speech". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  23. ^ Edwards, Bryce (10 April 2021). "National Party leadership: Does Luxon have what it takes?". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  24. ^ "National leadership: The top contenders to replace Judith Collins". Stuff. 25 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  25. ^ "Christopher Luxon voted new National Party leader as Simon Bridges withdraws". Radio New Zealand. 30 October 2021. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  26. ^ Seah, Naomii (29 November 2021). "The National Party's new conscience". The Spinoff. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  27. ^ "Christopher Luxon suggests extension of 'no jab, no pay' policy". Radio New Zealand. 5 November 2019. Archived from the original on 30 July 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020. [...] Mr Luxon said he was against voluntary euthanasia, recreational cannabis and abortion reform – but is in favour of medicinal cannabis.
  28. ^ Cooke, Henry (5 November 2019). "Christopher Luxon backs no-jab-no-pay further than the National Party". Stuff. Archived from the original on 10 November 2019. Retrieved 10 August 2020. He was asked by RNZ's Susie Ferguson whether he supported the policy of withdrawing sole parent support benefits for parents that don't vaccinate their children – currently just a 'proposal' by National, not an actual policy.
    Luxon said he supported the idea, and even indicated some support for it extending to Working For Families benefits.
  29. ^ "RNZ Audio Player". Radio NZ. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  30. ^ Coughlan, Thomas (30 November 2021). "New National leader: Chris Luxon on housing deal, He Puapua and conversion therapy". New Zealand Herald.
  31. ^ "National's new leader Christopher Luxon talks to Checkpoint". RNZ. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  32. ^ Ensor, Jamie (30 November 2021). "Christopher Luxon rules out changing abortion laws if he becomes Prime Minister". Newshub. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  33. ^ a b Cooke, Henry (1 December 2021). "Christopher Luxon says he will vote for safe zones outside abortion clinics at second reading". Stuff. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  34. ^ Lynch, Jenna (1 December 2021). "Full interview: National leader Christopher Luxon and deputy leader Nicola Willis". Newshub. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  35. ^ Cheng, Derek (8 December 2021). "Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Revealed - The public health advice to have Auckland unshackled by now and why Jacinda Ardern rejected it". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 7 December 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
  36. ^ Ensor, Jamie (8 December 2021). "Christopher Luxon calls for Auckland border to be lifted 'tonight' after previously unreleased public health advice emerges". Newshub. Archived from the original on 8 December 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2021. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 7 December 2021 suggested (help)
  37. ^ Small, Zane (8 December 2021). "ACT leader David Seymour, National's Christopher Luxon oppose police-led iwi COVID-19 checkpoints". Newshub. Archived from the original on 7 December 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
  38. ^ a b c d Trevett, Claire (8 February 2020). "National Party's Chris Luxon on God, John Key, ambition and sniffing capsicums". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  39. ^ "'No religion should dictate to the state' — National's Chris Luxon defends his Christianity in maiden speech". 1 News. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
  40. ^ a b c "Christopher Luxon on decision to run, what now for Bridges, Collins". Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive. Newstalk ZB. NZME Radio. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  41. ^ "Watch live: National Party's new leader Chris Luxon speaks after vote". RNZ. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
New Zealand Parliament
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Botany
2020–present 		Incumbent
Preceded by Leader of the Opposition
2021–present
Party political offices
Preceded by Leader of the National party
2021–present 		Incumbent
Business positions
Preceded by Chief executive officer of Air New Zealand
2013–2019 		Succeeded by
Greg Foran
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Christopher_Luxon&oldid=1059571733"