“We all want to see an end to this conflict. The actions of the US, Israel, and Iran are affecting every country in the world, and we are deeply concerned about the prospect of further escalation,” Luxon stated.
The Prime Minister addressed questions about Iran, fuel prices, and National’s poll numbers during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing.
This comes after a turbulent week in politics, where the latest Taxpayers’ Union/Curia poll showed the National party slightly improving but still below 30 percent.
Fuel prices have continued to rise, with no indication of an end to the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. US President Donald Trump has threatened to target civilian infrastructure, escalating tensions.
Luxon criticized Trump’s remarks as “unhelpful.” He noted that the prolonged conflict is having increasingly severe impacts, including affecting New Zealanders. He expressed disappointment over Air New Zealand’s need to cut its flight schedule, a move that had personally affected him.
Luxon emphasized the desire for an end to the conflict and expressed deep concern about further escalation.
When asked about the latest poll results, Luxon declined to engage, asserting that it was not a priority for New Zealanders: “The real poll that will matter will be November 7. We’ve got plenty of time for election year, but right now that’s not what Kiwis want me focused on.”
“There’s a lot of them [polls], and I’m very focused on doing my core job, which is making sure we navigate this fuel crisis well,” he added.
The latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll indicated that National remained below 30 percentage points, but New Zealand First gained nearly four points, suggesting the coalition bloc could still retain government control.
Luxon was asked how many National MPs he would be comfortable losing from Cabinet given the poll numbers. He responded by stating that reporters might be focusing on issues that are not a priority for New Zealanders.
“I appreciate there’s a lot of interest in polls, but I don’t comment on them because there’s a lot of them saying often quite different things,” he said.
Foreign Minister and NZ First leader Winston Peters is set to visit the US to speak with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Luxon refrained from speculating on their discussions.
“He’s an experienced foreign minister with a good rapport with Secretary Rubio. Our message is clear: escalating rhetoric and actions are not helpful,” Luxon stated.
He stressed that such escalation ultimately harms New Zealanders, underscoring the importance of restraint and de-escalation in both language and action.
Officials have been communicating the severe impact of the conflict on New Zealanders, Luxon noted, emphasizing the importance of upholding New Zealand’s values and speaking out.
Luxon confirmed that New Zealand does not have a position on reports alleging US involvement in the bombing of a primary school on the first day of strikes in Iran. “I’ve seen those reports, but it’s up to the Americans to explain that,” he said.
He emphasized the call for adherence to international humanitarian law, stating that strikes on civilian infrastructure and civilians are unacceptable, but reiterated that it is not for him or New Zealand to judge.
In response to questions about the government’s domestic handling of the fuel crisis, Luxon refused to specify whether targeted groups might receive support.
“There’s lots of businesses and households that are doing it tough,” he acknowledged.
“We know rising fuel prices are putting immense pressure on New Zealand households and businesses. I’m being straight with New Zealanders, saying we cannot alleviate that pressure on everyone,” Luxon explained.
He reflected on the lessons from Covid, where money was distributed widely but not always effectively.
He mentioned a recent update on fuel supply levels: 62 days of petrol, 51 days of diesel, and 50 days of aviation fuel in stock.
“There’s enough storage in the country. Initially, there was some increased consumption, but it has since stabilized,” he reported.
Luxon interrupted a question about fuel storage being approximately two-thirds full, stating, “Look, we’re really comfortable. The key thing is ensuring no disruption to future fuel supply shipments or orders, and there hasn’t been.”
He described Air New Zealand’s announcement of flight schedule cuts and increased ticket prices as “disappointing,” but acknowledged that these are commercial decisions they must make.
“Obviously, I’ve been affected by not being able to use the full schedule, but they need to make commercial decisions based on the high prices for jet fuel,” he said.
Regarding comments from Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Finance Minister Nicola Willis that fuel excise increases set for January 1 next year were unlikely, Luxon offered no new information.
“Stalling or deferring that will likely be the wisest course of action, but Bishop will confirm and discuss options around that shortly,” Luxon stated.
He noted that the minister had been clear about the need to reconsider road phasing and prioritize projects accordingly.
Luxon concluded the briefing at around 3:30 pm to attend the swearing-in of MPs Mike Butterick and Cameron Brewer, who were named Ministers outside Cabinet in a recent reshuffle that saw Bishop lose roles as Leader of the House and National’s campaign chair.
