With about one-quarter of the votes counted the former Air New Zealand chief executive is poised to become the nation’s next leader.
Voting closed Saturday in New Zealand and ballot counting was underway in a general election, with early results indicating people were favouring a conservative change after six years of a liberal government led for most of that time by Jacinda Ardern.
Her departure left Chris Hipkins, 45, to take over as leader. He had previously served as education minister and led the response to the coronavirus pandemic. But polling indicated his conservative rival, former businessman Christopher Luxon, was poised to become the nation’s next prime minister. Luxon has promised tax cuts for middle-income earners and a crackdown on crime. Hipkins has promised free dental care for people younger than 30 and the removal of sales taxes on fruit and vegetables.Also at stake in the election is the government’s relationship with Indigenous Māori. Luxon has promised to axe the Māori Health Authority, which he says creates two separate health systems. Hipkins says he’s proud of such co-governance efforts and has accused Luxon of condoning racism.
“I’m sure you’ll choose the best shots when I’m at my most coordinated,” Hipkins joked with reporters after the event.If there was a little extra spring in his dance step, it was because the polling numbers for Hipkins and his Labour Party began trending upward in the last days before the election from a low ebb.
“I’ve gotta tell you, crime is out of control in this country,” Luxon said. “And we are going to restore law and order, and we are going to restore personal responsibility.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Zealand set for conservative change with Christopher Luxon poised to be next PMWith about one-quarter of the votes counted the former Air New Zealand chief executive is poised to become the nation’s next leader.
Read more »
New Zealand set for conservative change with Christopher Luxon poised to be next PMWith about one-quarter of the votes counted the former Air New Zealand chief executive is poised to become the nation’s next leader.
Read more »
National leader Christopher Luxon leads in latest NZ Prime Minister pollsAs many Australians head to the polls for the Voice Referendum, Kiwis are heading to the ballot box today to elect a new Prime Minister. Polling from Roy Morgan suggests National leader Christopher Luxon is on course to be the country's next Prime Minister, but he might have to win over the support of minor parties.
Read more »
Australia beats New Zealand in netball's Constellation Cup game one at John Cain ArenaThe Diamonds shrug off a week dominated by the Super Netball pay dispute to beat New Zealand by 10 points.
Read more »
Australian Diamonds beat New Zealand to take 1-0 lead in Constellation CupPlayers shrug off pay dispute to win 50-40 in Melbourne as defender Courtney Bruce shuts out Silver Ferns threat
Read more »