Photo: RNZ / Mark PapaliiDeputy Prime Minister David Seymour has renewed his call for the government to sell its 51 percent stake in Air New Zealand after it reported a significant half-year loss. Seymour, also the leader of the ACT Party, criticised the airline, saying it should go back to the basics. Seymour said Air NZ had been doing "politically motivated stuff" when it couldn't take off and land on time for a decent price. Air NZ said the half-year loss was largely driven by global engine maintenance delays, slower-than-expected recovery in domestic demand, increasing costs, and a weaker New Zealand dollar. Asked whether he started the culture Seymour was referencing, Luxon said: "You can go look at my track record running Air NZ.

Source: Stuff February 26, 2026 00:57 UTC