Explore National's leader, background and priorities. An educational guide, not an endorsement.
Christopher Luxon grew up in Christchurch and trained in commerce at the University of Canterbury. He spent most of his working life in big international companies, including 18 years at Unilever and seven years running Air New Zealand (2012 to 2019). He was chief executive of Air New Zealand from 2012 to 2019. He joined the National Party fairly late and won the Botany electorate at the 2020 election, becoming an MP for the first time. Just over a year later, in late 2021, National members chose him as their new leader. At the 2023 election National won the most seats and Luxon became Prime Minister, leading a three-party coalition with ACT and NZ First. As PM he has focused on the cost of living, tax cuts for working families, faster infrastructure decisions, tougher law-and-order rules, and lifting student achievement in maths and reading. Critics say his government has cut too much from public services; supporters say he is bringing business discipline to government. Heading into the 2026 election, Luxon is asking voters to keep him on for a second term so his plans have time to land. He lives in Auckland with his wife Amanda and their two adult children, and is known for being an early riser and a keen runner.