Video: Luxon makes election pitch to hundreds in Napier

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon outlined National’s case for re-election to hundreds of people at a public meeting in Napier on Thursday night.

Luxon joined Napier MP Katie Nimon and Tukituki MP Catherine Wedd for the meeting at the Napier War Memorial Centre. National Minister Mark Mitchell served as MC.

A small number of protesters gathered outside, while attendees underwent bag checks and security staff were stationed inside the venue.

Luxon used his address to promote National’s record in Hawke’s Bay, pointing to the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery, work on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway and Hawke’s Bay Hospital, education changes and resource management reform.

He also spoke about the Government’s approach to law and order, including gangs and gang patches, and praised Nimon and Wedd for their advocacy for the region.

Members of the audience questioned Luxon on issues including the economy, co-governance, student allowances, free trade agreements, sexual harm and Māori representation.

Speaking to Hawke’s Bay News following the meeting, Luxon said it had been an opportunity to outline National’s vision and hear directly from the community.

“It was just great to hear their concerns and the opportunities that they see in the country and the region as well,” he said.

Asked what message he wanted to give undecided Hawke’s Bay voters, Luxon contrasted National’s economic approach with that of the opposition parties.

“The opposition parties want to spend more, they want to tax more and they want to borrow more,” he said.

“We’re the people with the responsible financial plan that will grow the economy, make life more affordable and, most importantly, realise the potential for New Zealand.”

Asked what more National planned to do for Hawke’s Bay, Luxon highlighted the opportunities he believed the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement would create for the region’s growers and exporters.

“This region has what the world wants,” he said.

“As parts of India get wealthier, that’s a huge opportunity for all of our growers to export more products at premium prices, bring that money back home and invest it in this community.”

Luxon also backed Nimon and Wedd after both moved down National’s party list for the 2026 election.

Nimon has moved from 22nd on National’s 2023 list to 27th, while Wedd has moved from 23rd to 37th.

“I wouldn’t read too much into that whatsoever,” Luxon said.

“Actually, I’d just say to you, you have two outstanding candidates here.”

The Napier event followed a National public meeting in Christchurch on Wednesday which was disrupted by protesters.

Asked how he was engaging with people who disagreed with his Government and felt they were not being heard, Luxon said that was why National was holding public meetings.

“You want to hear from all the voices,” he said.

“Some voted for National, some didn’t, and some may never. But the point is they all come together because we want to discuss and debate where the country is going.

“I think it’s democracy in action.”