PM reflects on first year in office

In his final interview of the year on Pacific Mornings, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shares his reflections on his journey from a corporate career to leading Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Luxon was the first in his family to attend university, having been raised by parents who left school at 15 and 16.

This has taught him resilience and the value of tackling challenges head-on, he says.

“I've sort of learned and my father used to say to me, keep stepping out of your comfort zone into difficult and challenging situations because that's actually how you grow.

“So, taking on new experiences, feeling the fear but doing it anyway.”

Luxon greets students from Tokomololo Primary School in Tonga. Photo/Ala Vailala

Achievements amid challenges

While Luxon’s tenure has not been without controversy, he highlights several achievements from the Coalition Government’s first year.

He proudly points to declining crime rates, including a 60 per cent reduction in ram raids, and increasing business confidence, which he says is at a 10-year high.

“They're difficult decisions, and it's been tough, but actually, I'm really proud of how we've formed that team.”

Economic recovery remains a cornerstone of the Government.

He outlines efforts to reduce inflation, lower interest rates, and restore fiscal discipline.

“New Zealand doesn't get rich by selling stuff to each other, we get rich by selling our products and services to eight billion people in 195 other countries.

“They don't need us because we're so small, but we've got to find a way to get our share of mind and be able to do that as well.

“So that's been really really satisfying to see that working and to see that our plan is starting to work.

“We’ve put the right people on the right assignments.”

Luxon visits a local business in Mulifanua, Sāmoa. Photo/Ala Vailala

Navigating controversy

Luxon does not shy away from addressing the divisive Treaty Principles Bill.

While he defends the Coalition’s compromise as necessary in an MMP environment, Luxon acknowledges the frustration it has caused.

“The answer is not a simplistic Treaty Principles Bill right,” he says.

“You do not go right off 184 years of debate and discussion around the Treaty with a simple bill.

“We have an obligation to make sure all New Zealanders have equal rights.

“And we also have an obligation to make sure we uphold our obligations under the Treaty.”

Luxon meets Fiji's President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere in Suva. Photo/Ala Vailala

Looking ahead

Luxon is optimistic about the future of Aotearoa.

He cites the nation’s position in the Indo-Pacific, its abundant resources, and its people's creativity as key advantages.

“We're bang smack in the middle of this Indo-Pacific region where hundreds of millions of people are being lifted out of poverty and put into the middle classes.

“Yes, there's tension in New Zealand, but we've got great social and democratic institutions relative to other countries around the world.

“We've got incredibly abundant natural resources and we've got the most amazing, incredible people who are creative and innovative and driven.

“So, there should be no excuses for why we can't do exceptionally well in the world.”

Luxon meets with New Zealand police officers deployed to Sāmoa for CHOGM. Photo/Ala Vailala

Buzzing off for a summer reset

With a mix of resolve and optimism, Luxon is ready to trade his suit for shorts and a fishing rod.

Alongside family gatherings and beach trips, Luxon shared one festive ritual - listening to Michael Bublé.

“I don’t think you can go past It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”

Watch Luxon's final interview on Pacific Mornings for 2025