World

NZ PM Luxon dismisses reports of leadership challenge

By AAP Newswire

Apr 17, 2026

WELLINGTON STOCK — Chris Luxon says if New Zealand had an election today, ‌his government would be reinstated. -AAP Image

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he has the full support of his party, ‌responding to media reports that some members will push for ‌a leadership change when parliament returns.

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The New Zealand Herald said members of his National Party will move against him next week, although it ‌is unlikely to be ‌a ⁠formal challenge or confidence vote in the first instance.

"I talk to my caucus all the time. I'm very confident I have the full support of my caucus," Luxon told a press conference on Friday.

"If we ⁠had an election today, ‌this government would be reinstated."

The next general election is scheduled ‌for November 7.

Several recent polls have shown the National Party is struggling to reach above 30 per cent.

Some polls indicate the ruling coalition might not have the numbers to return to power after the ‌election.

At the same time, Luxon's popularity as prime minister has also fallen.

A March RNZ-Reid Research poll found 20.7 per cent of people preferred opposition leader Chris Hipkins as prime minister, while just 17.3 per cent preferred Luxon.