Christopher Luxon is a New Zealand business executive and politician, presently holding the position of Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the New Zealand National Party since 2021. He has represented the Botany electorate in the Parliament since the 2020 general election.
Bio/Wiki
Age- 53 years
Height- 1.83m
Full name- Christopher Mark Luxon
Born- 19 July 1970
Birthplace- Christchurch, New Zealand
Spouse-Amanda Luxon
Profession-Politician, Businessperson
Nationality- New Zealand
Party: New Zealand National Party
Parents
Luxon was born in Christchurch on 19 July 1970, into a Roman Catholic family of Irish, Scottish, and English heritage. His father, Graham Luxon, was employed as a sales executive at Johnson & Johnson, while his mother, Kathleen Luxon (née Turnbull), worked as a psychotherapist and counselor.
Wife and Children
He met his wife, Amanda, through a church youth group, and they tied the knot when he was 23 years old. Together, they have a son and a daughter named William and Olivia. He has expressed his fondness for DIY projects, a penchant for country music, and a passion for waterskiing.
Education
He studies higher education at the University of Canterbury from 1989 to 1992, earning a Master of Commerce (Business Administration) degree. Throughout his high school and university years, Luxon worked part-time at McDonald’s and also served as a porter at the Park Royal hotel.
Career
He began his career at Unilever in 1993, eventually reaching the position of CEO for Unilever Canada in 2008, amassing significant wealth before transitioning to become the CEO of Air New Zealand. Luxon gained prominence as a business ally of John Key’s government and garnered attention for his involvement in a pay dispute with the E tū trade union, establishing his reputation as a neoliberal figure. In 2019, he secured the pre-selection for the secure National Party seat of Botany in East Auckland and retained it despite the party’s nationwide defeat the following year. Amidst political turbulence within the National Party, Luxon, often regarded as a potential leader, assumed the leadership uncontested on November 30, 2021, following the removal of former leader Judith Collins. In February 2021, it was revealed that during Luxon’s tenure as CEO of Air New Zealand, its contracting business unit Gas Turbines was assisting Royal Saudi Navy vessels, despite their involvement in blocking essential supplies like water, food, and medical assistance from Yemen. Luxon secured his position in a selection contest, prevailing over National Party list MP Agnes Loheni, Howick Local Board deputy chair Katrina Bungard, cancer drug campaigner Troy Elliott, and tech businessman Jake Bezzant, who was later chosen as National’s candidate for Upper Harbour. In early August 2022, Luxon accompanied Prime Minister Ardern, Minister of Arts, Culture, and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni, and Minister of Pacific Peoples William Sio on a state visit to Samoa, marking the 60th anniversary of Samoa’s independence and reaffirming bilateral relations between the two nations.
Political views
Luxon is an evangelical Christian recognized for his social conservatism. In his inaugural parliamentary speech, he positioned himself as center-right. He advocates for low taxes, reducing Ministry of Social Development expenditures, implementing military-style boot camps for young offenders, and enacting strict anti-gang laws. Luxon strongly opposes welfare dependency and co-governance with Māori. Despite National not challenging the Abortion Legislation Act 2020, Luxon is personally against abortion, likening it to murder. He has expressed his opposition to euthanasia and the legalization of recreational cannabis, although he supports medicinal cannabis. Initially supporting a “no jab, no pay” policy for welfare beneficiaries who don’t vaccinate their children, he later clarified he does not endorse cutting benefits for parents who do not vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Luxon has also vehemently opposed reforms to New Zealand’s water system and has spoken against affirmative action for Māori and co-governance, leading to accusations of race-baiting.
Christopher Luxon Net Worth
He possesses significant wealth, owning seven properties, including a residence in Remuera valued at $7.68 million. Luxon was reportedly unaware of the total value of his properties until questioned directly by Newshub. He stands as the second-wealthiest Leader of the National Party in history, following John Key, with his property portfolio valued at over $21 million.
Latest News about Christopher Luxon
Christopher Luxon Withdraws from Key Leaders’ Debate in 2023 Election
The Press Leaders’ Debate, originally scheduled for Tuesday night, was postponed due to Labour leader Chris Hipkins testing positive for COVID-19 and being in isolation. National, however, expressed its inability to rearrange Christopher Luxon’s schedule for another time and declined the option of having Luxon debate a stand-in from Labour, emphasizing the need for a “leader-to-leader” debate.
Joanna Norris, managing director of Stuff’s masthead publishing arm, stated they were actively working with both parties to secure an alternative date for the debate once Hipkins is out of isolation. Labour accused Luxon of attempting to evade the debate by taking advantage of Hipkins’ illness, leading to concerns about the event’s postponement disappointing the public.
