New Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon says he is excited to deliver a “big policy programme” with coalition partners who are determined to make New Zealanders’ lives better.
“I thank the public for their patience since Election Day. It’s a credit to our country that we now handle the MMP process with such calm and maturity,” said the new Prime Minister.
After 41 days of electoral limbo, Mr Luxon has formed a three-party coalition; with Winston Peters appointed as Deputy PM for the first 18 months of government, and David Seymour for the second 18-month period.
Mr Luxon told a media conference in Wellington on Friday that the three parties had agreed on a “common sense” plan that reflected their values and policies.
“We want change that makes our great country even better and this coalition government is going to deliver that change,” he said.
Mr Luxon was sworn in as New Zealand’s 42nd prime minister in a ceremony at Government House in Wellington on Monday.
The National leader gave Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro the assurance his government could “command the confidence” of parliament after weeks of negotiations.
“A very special day, the swearing in of a new cabinet and a new ministry, and a very special day for our new ministers and the families to be here,” said the new PM.
“Our focus for this week is to have our 100-day plan of action and have that signed off,” he said.
Prime Minister Luxon’s 20-strong – 12 men, 8 women – cabinet breaks new ground for racial diversity, with a record seven Maori ministers.
He is expected to host his first cabinet meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.
