Globaltraded.com , New Zealand — Christopher Luxon, a former business executive who rose through the ranks of Unilever Plc and served as the CEO of Air New Zealand, has achieved a remarkable transformation in the political arena. His journey from a high-flying Unilever executive to the potential prime minister of New Zealand is a testament to his leadership and negotiation skills.
In the recent New Zealand election, Luxon led the center-right National Party to a significant victory, securing 39% of the vote. This marked a substantial improvement from the party’s performance in the previous election, where it garnered just 25.6% of the vote. Luxon now faces the task of forming a center-right government, most likely through coalition talks with two smaller parties.
Luxon’s background in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and his experience in the business world have become valuable assets in the realm of politics. He attributes his success to his ability to navigate complex negotiations and build strong relationships—a skill set that is invaluable in political deal-making. He was also former CEO of Unilever Canada.
His party, National, along with its ally, the libertarian ACT Party, currently holds a slim majority in the 121-seat parliament. However, this majority could be at risk once overseas and special votes are counted in the coming weeks. To ensure a stable government, Luxon may need the support of the nationalist New Zealand First Party, which holds eight seats.
Despite his success, Luxon is a political novice, having served just one term in parliament. His leadership journey began in November 2021 when he took over as the leader of the National Party. At that time, the party was facing numerous challenges, including a series of scandals and internal conflicts.
Luxon’s rise to leadership was marked by a strong commitment to revitalizing the party. The National Party had a 28% approval rating in opinion polls just before Luxon took the reins, compared to the ruling Labour Party’s 41%, led by the charismatic Jacinda Ardern. The party was in desperate need of a reset, and Luxon, with his extensive experience in turning around struggling organizations, was seen as the ideal candidate for the job.
While Luxon’s leadership has undoubtedly benefited the National Party, it’s important to note that New Zealand’s political landscape has seen significant shifts. The Labour Party, which enjoyed widespread support in previous elections under Ardern’s leadership, experienced a decline in voter confidence, securing just 27% of the vote, down from 50% in 2017.
New Zealand’s new Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, who replaced Ardern in January, faced challenges related to a cost-of-living crisis and high interest rates that affected economic growth. Furthermore, issues of ill-discipline among Labour ministers tarnished the party’s reputation for having a strong team.
In contrast, the National Party positioned itself as a party of economic competence and fiscal responsibility. It offered income tax cuts and consistently criticized the Labour government’s spending practices and policy delivery.
Despite these improvements, Luxon faced difficulties connecting with the public, and his trustworthiness ratings in polls were less than stellar. His highest score for preferred prime minister did not exceed 26%.
Political scientists like Lara Greaves from Victoria University of Wellington have noted that Luxon is not particularly liked by the public, which may pose challenges for his leadership. However, they also acknowledge that he might experience a boost in popularity during his initial days as prime minister, commonly referred to as a “honeymoon period.”
Luxon believes that his experience as a business leader equips him to lead New Zealand through its economic recovery. He emphasizes that as an outsider to the political world, he brings a different perspective, having spent over two decades connecting with customers in his previous corporate roles.
Christopher Luxon’s journey from part-time work at a McDonald’s and a porter at a tourist hotel to a high-flying executive at Unilever and the CEO of Air New Zealand exemplifies his determination and hard work. He is the first in his family to attend university and has consistently pushed his limits to achieve success.
Luxon’s leadership at Air New Zealand was marked by a strategic focus on cost-cutting, workforce reductions, and the abandonment of unprofitable routes. His approach succeeded, leading the airline to record profits and fleet expansion with fuel-efficient aircraft. Luxon left the airline in late 2019, just before the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global aviation industry.
Entering the political arena, Luxon’s Christian faith has been a subject of discussion. While he holds pro-life views, he has stated that he would not change New Zealand’s laws regarding abortion if he becomes prime minister. He is committed to leading New Zealand toward recovery and helping the country rediscover its ambition and aspiration.
Luxon emphasizes his ability to bring teams together and extract the best from his team members. His outsider’s perspective, forged through years of engaging with customers, provides him with a unique understanding of voters and their concerns across the nation.
From McDonald’s part-timer to Unilever executive to Air New Zealand CEO, Christopher Luxon’s journey is a testament to his leadership abilities, negotiation skills, and determination. As New Zealand’s potential prime minister, he hopes to steer the country toward economic recovery and fulfill his vision for a brighter future.
