However, Luxon’s lack of understanding of New Zealand, partly but not solely because he lived abroad from 1995 to 2011, is more serious. When he left, the economy was booming under Prime Minister Jim Bolger, there was a structural surplus and corporate welfare had been tamed. When Luxon returned, National was back in Government, under Prime Minister John Key, supported by Act, United Future and the Māori Party. When Luxon returned, over 40 treaty settlements had been completed and nearly 20 were in the pipeline, helping make Māori major players in the economy. That may not have mattered, except Luxon appeared to demonstrate little if any curiosity about the country he wanted to lead.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 25, 2024 07:00 UTC