|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has placed 15th out of Cabinet members in a survey of top business leaders, raising concerns about his performance and the state of New Zealand’s economy.
The New Zealand Herald’s latest Mood of the Boardroom survey gathered responses from 150 CEOs and senior leaders. Neither Luxon nor Finance Minister Nicola Willis made the Cabinet’s top 10 performers.
The findings are being debated at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel, with the event being attended by all the main politicians, including former Prime Minister Sir John Key.
Luxon received an average score of 2.96 out of 5 — where 1 is “not impressive” and 5 is “very impressive.” Business confidence in the wider economy also remains low, with an average rating of 2.81 out of 5.
Fran O’Sullivan, the Herald’s head of business, said in her speech that “while confidence is rising in some sectors, others are struggling — especially those hit by high energy costs.”
She said Luxon is seen as focused and effective on international trips and in managing his Cabinet, but less convincing on key issues like building business confidence and driving economic change.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis ranked slightly higher at 13th, with a score of 3.09. She acknowledged the tough road ahead and welcomed public scrutiny.
“We’re having an ugly recovery, and people are feeling it,” Willis said, saying that while the government sets the conditions for growth, it’s businesses that drive it.
Willis says tough decisions being made
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has acknowledged New Zealand is going through a “difficult time” but remains optimistic about the country’s future.
“We have a history of success, and I believe our tomorrows are going to be even more successful. We can be a powerhouse in the future,” she said.
Willis said the government is addressing long-ignored problems — some dating back decades — and even took aim at former National PM Sir John Key, saying, “I’m not letting you off the hook either.”
When asked what might have been different if National were governing alone, Willis said there would have been “less focus on Māori-related issues” and faster progress on legislation, as fewer compromises would have been needed.
She denied having leadership ambitions, saying, “I’m not running for prime minister,” and said Luxon is “completely safe” in the role.
Willis praised Luxon’s behind-the-scenes work managing a three-party coalition, calling it “deft” and essential to the government’s stability. She also credited him for appointing strong ministers, including Mark Mitchell, Simeon Brown, and Erica Stanford.
Willis expressed pride in Stanford, who ranked among the top performers in the survey with a score of 4.38 out of 5.
“She’s doing important work to improve education and vocational training. It won’t change next quarter’s GDP, but it’s vital for long-term reform,” Willis said.
Stanford, in turn, reiterated her support for Luxon and said she had no leadership ambitions. “I love my job and want to keep doing it for the next 10 years,” she said.
