Former Airline CEO Poised to Become Leader of N.Z. Opposition

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 20: Incoming National Party MP Christopher Luxon looks on during a press conference at Parliament on October 20, 2020 in Wellington, New Zealand. Labour's Jacinda Ardern claimed a second term as prime minister after claiming a majority in the 2020 New Zealand General Election on Saturday 17 October, claiming 64 seats. Despite securing the historic win and ability for Labour to govern alone, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is holding talks with potential coalition partners ahead of forming her new government. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) , Photographer: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images AsiaPac

Matthew Brockett, Bloomberg News

Nov 29, 2021

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(Bloomberg) -- Former Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon appears poised to become the new leader of the country’s main opposition National Party after his rival for the job, Simon Bridges, withdrew from the race.

“This morning I met with Chris Luxon and had a great discussion,” Bridges said in a tweet Tuesday in Wellington. “I am withdrawing from the leadership contest and will be backing Chris. He will make a brilliant National leader and Prime Minister.”

National Party members of parliament were due to vote on a new leader this afternoon after they ousted Judith Collins from the position last week. Ongoing divisions within the party have seen it drop in opinion polls, bolstering support for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s ruling Labour Party.   

Luxon, 51, is politically inexperienced, having entered parliament only a year ago. He had a successful career with consumer goods giant Unilever Plc before taking the reins of Air New Zealand in 2012.

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