"We've delivered on what we wanted to deliver": Luxon responds to concerns about coalition trade-offs

Christopher Luxon says National's delivered a lot of what it wanted to this term.  

While taking talkback with Kerre Woodham, a supporter asked why he allowed ACT and New Zealand First to veto National promises after the 2023 election. 

She pointed out although Luxon had expressed support for capping vape stores at 600, in Coalition negotiations he handed NZ First responsibility for regulation of smoking and cessation tools.  

Luxon says voters decided the election, and National had to make that work.  

He says you have to make trade offs, but the minor parties had to sign up to the National Party agenda.   

Another supporter told Luxon he's foolish to rule out working with the Opportunity Party, saying he owes it to New Zealanders to at least have a conversation if Qiulae Wong’s party holds the balance of power. 

Luxon responded with a well-worn answer saying he opposed Opportunity’s land tax policy, despite Wong previously saying it would be worth considering accepting no tax reform next term if it meant forming a government with other policy gains. 

“Taxing New Zealanders is just the wrong thing at the moment.” 

The caller encouraged the National leader to reconsider, saying they don't have to agree with the minor party's policies, but closing the door from the get-go is foolish if they want to get into power.  

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