New Zealand politician and businessman; Prime Minister since 2023
Wellington has confronted record rainfall and widespread flooding, triggering states of emergency, evacuations, and widespread damage across the capital region. Authorities warn of ongoing hazards as rainfall tracks north and relief efforts ramp up.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has secured support from his caucus in a confidence vote amid declining polls and internal party questions. The vote was held privately, and Luxon has declared his leadership is confirmed, as the country prepares for the upcoming November election.
New Zealand has signed a major trade deal with India, cutting tariffs on 95% of NZ exports and enabling all Indian goods to enter NZ duty-free. The accord includes a $20 billion investment pledge over 15 years. The agreement is expected to diversify NZ’s markets amid U.S. tariffs and Middle East tensions.
New Zealand lawmakers who visited Taiwan have been banned for a year from China, Hong Kong and Macau. The move prompts diplomatic friction as Wellington defends parliamentary travel to Taiwan as longstanding practice under its One China policy. Officials say the ban is a China-driven reaction to cross-strait diplomacy.