42. Yeni Zelanda başbakanı (2023–görevde)
Prime Minister pays tribute to Adrian Rurawhe
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed deep sadness at the death of former Labour MP and Speaker of the House Adrian Rurawhe. “Adrian was one of those Members of Parliament with huge mana,” Mr Luxon says. “He was a highly respected Speaker, and his fairness and calmness meant colleagues from all sides of the House held him in the highest regard. “Adrian was a warm and humble man, and I felt his great kindness personally. “My thoughts are with his family as they mourn his loss, and also celebrate his life and contribution to New Zealand and his community,” Mr Luxon says.
- Diplomatik22 Eyl
Strong year of delivery for Ōtaki to north of Levin RONS
Today marks a significant milestone for Horowhenua and the lower North Island as we celebrate the first year since construction began on the Ōtaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance project, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. “A year ago today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and I joined our delivery partners in Manakau to turn the first sod, marking the start of construction on this crucial project. Twelve months later, local communities can already see the scale of strong progress being made on site,” Mr Bishop says. “With around 1.22 million hours worked over the past 12 months, crews have moved around 1.2 million cubic metres of earth - enough to cover an entire rugby field 120 metres deep - and started construction on major structures, including the North Island Main Trunk Rail Overbridge, Ōhau Awa bridge, North and South Manakau Road bridges, and Queen Street East overpass. “This new expressway will cut travel times, make it easier and more reliable to move people and freight, and support continued growth in Horowhenua and across the lower North Island. The project is also creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and investing in skills and training opportunities that will benefit the region long after the road is finished. “To date, we’ve seen over 150 locals, including 80 local youth and Jobseekers find fulltime employment and training opportunities through the project, and the 165 local businesses working on the project. “The year ahead is also expected to be the busiest period of construction since work began, with earthworks continuing at pace, further progress on bridges and structures, new local road connections taking shape, and increased traffic management as work expands across the project area. “I’d like to acknowledge and thank local MPs Tim Costley and Suze Redmayne for their strong advocacy for this project and their ongoing work on behalf of the community. "As significant construction activity increases, communities will see more visible progress across the corridor. We know construction can be disruptive at times, and I'd like to thank local communities and road users for their patience and support as we deliver this critical piece of infrastructure." Notes to editor: Northern section: Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon Southern section: Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin+Taylor
India FTA passes with significant majority
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is welcoming the passing of the India Free Trade Agreement legislation today, and says the 93-29 vote is a clear demonstration of Parliament’s strong support for this FTA and its significant benefits for the economy. “The India FTA opens the door for Kiwi exporters to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. Parliament today overwhelmingly backed the long term benefits the agreement will deliver for all New Zealanders,” says Mr McClay. “For exporters, the benefits are immediate and substantial. From day one, 57 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India will become duty-free. Once fully implemented, tariffs are eliminated or significantly reduced on 95 per cent of our exports. That means real savings and real opportunities. The kiwifruit industry alone expects to save around $125 million in tariffs over five years. “Added to this are faster border clearance and preferential access to a fast-growing middle class that is demanding high-quality food, fibre, technology, education, tourism and professional services. The FTA is also future-proofed, through most favoured nation commitments for wine and key services sectors. “Negotiations were announced in March 2025 and we expect this high quality agreement to enter into force this year, delivering on our promise to complete an FTA with India this term,” Mr McClay says. “Exporters will be able to use this agreement to build new relationships, sell more of our world-class products, and contribute to the goal agreed by Prime Ministers Modi and Luxon of doubling two-way trade by 2030.” “We are already seeing strong momentum as exporters, customers and investors respond to the increased engagement between our countries. This agreement turns India from a market of future promise into a practical opportunity for more New Zealand businesses.” The FTA will enter into force after both parties have completed their respective ratification procedures.
CRL opening puts Auckland on track for the future
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Ministers, Councillors and iwi have officially opened Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) today, marking a turning point in the way New Zealand’s biggest city moves and grows. After a decade of construction, commuters will be able to travel through the heart of the city by train from Sunday 13 September, when CRL stations open and a new rail timetable begins. Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the opening is a historic moment for Auckland, coming around a century after an underground city centre railway was first proposed. “CRL is New Zealand’s biggest, and perhaps most challenging, transport project completed to date,” Mr Bishop says. “For the first time, trains will run right through the middle of Auckland rather than reaching the city centre and stopping. Auckland’s rail lines will become a connected network, with faster journeys, more frequent services and much greater capacity. “It brings Auckland’s rail system more in line with major cities around the world and will make a real difference to people heading to work or school, going to an appointment, meeting friends, shopping or getting to an event. “CRL is a statement of ambition for Auckland and for New Zealand. It shows what good infrastructure can achieve: creating more opportunities for new homes and businesses around stations, better connecting people with jobs and services, and making it easier for a growing city to function. “This major project is part of a much wider transformation of Auckland’s rapid transport network. It sits alongside new train stations in Drury, the electrification of rail to Pukekohe, upgrades to other stations, the Rail Network Rebuild and Auckland’s growing busway network.” Mr Bishop also acknowledged the thousands of people who have worked on the project over the past decade, and Aucklanders and city centre businesses who have lived with the disruption required to build it. “Major infrastructure is difficult to build. Aucklanders have put up with closed roads, construction sites and disruption for years to get to this point. “From Sunday, the focus shifts from what it took to build the City Rail Link to what it makes possible. For decades to come, Aucklanders will simply be able to get on a train and get where they need to go more quickly and easily. That is what great infrastructure is ultimately about.” Mayor Wayne Brown has a clear message for Aucklanders. “We want Aucklanders to get on board,” Mayor Brown says. “The City Rail Link is a transformational investment for Auckland. It's a game changer for our city that will benefit generations to come. “Aucklanders can look forward to more travel options and a better-connected rail network, making it easier to move across the city. Public transport will be simpler, more convenient and more accessible for more people. “The benefits of this project will be felt every day. Whether you're heading to work, school, Eden Park or K' Road for a meal, the new network will make getting around Auckland faster and easier. “I encourage Aucklanders to get on board, literally, and make the most of this significant investment in our city's future. “From Sunday, a new timetable, new rail routes and three new stations will transform the way Auckland's rail network operates. “When many Aucklanders return to work on Monday, they'll be using a network that connects them to more places and provides more travel choices. The new East West and South City line services will all connect through the new stations, improving connectivity, optimising services and delivering the transport outcomes Aucklanders and businesses have been waiting for.”
New Zealand begins Pacific leadership role
New Zealand has joined the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Troika, taking on an expanded leadership role ahead of hosting the Forum in Auckland in 2027. “New Zealand is serious about delivering on Pacific priorities. That is why we are here in Palau, to engage with other members openly on the challenges that face our region,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. New Zealand will work alongside current and previous Chairs Palau and Solomon Islands on the Forum Troika to provide political oversight and strategic guidance on key regional priorities. “New Zealand’s place on the Forum Troika puts us at the centre of regional decision-making for the first time in more than a decade,” Mr Luxon says. Our approach will be guided by Pacific priorities and PIF centrality. We want to drive progress on economic prosperity, regional security, and Pacific resilience.” Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says seeing other Pacific leaders face to face in Palau was beneficial, as New Zealand takes on greater responsibilities. “I have been listening intently throughout the discussions. We are committed to ensuring the 2027 Leaders Meeting and our Troika membership delivers concrete benefits to our region,” Mr Peters says. “As we take on this responsibility, we are showing that New Zealand steps up when it matters, working with Pacific partners to tackle shared challenges and build a stronger, more secure Pacific region,” Mr Peters says. Mr Luxon had discussions with all leaders at the Forum, including a bi-lateral with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. “PNG will resume direct flights from Port Moresby to Auckland in November – a service that last ran 26 years ago. This move reflects the ongoing and growing closeness of the relationship between the people of our two countries. “Our two countries have never been closer,” Mr Luxon says. Mr Peters met with a range of Leaders and partners.