Luxon Dismisses Peters’ Criticism Over Asset Sales Debate

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is brushing off comments from Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, after the New Zealand First leader slammed National’s approach to potential asset sales.

Speaking on RNZ, Peters accused National of wanting to “flog off” publicly-owned assets due to what he called the government’s failure to manage the economy. He labelled the rationale behind asset sales a “tawdry, silly argument”.

Luxon, however, appeared unfazed, saying Peters is known for firm and long-standing views.

“Winston Peters has been around for half a century in this place,” Luxon said. “He has a lot of entrenched views on a lot of different things that aren’t a surprise to me or you.”

Luxon reiterated the Government will not sell state assets this term, but said there is a “legitimate conversation” to be had about whether capital tied up in certain holdings, such as the government’s stake in telecommunications firm Chorus, could be better used elsewhere.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is currently seeking advice on the Chorus stake, though Peters has publicly opposed any sale.

Luxon said differences of opinion among coalition partners were normal, especially heading into election year, and did not threaten the stability of the Government.

“We are in this together as a coalition government,” he said, while acknowledging that parts of the economy remain challenging.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins seized on the disagreement, saying Peters’ remarks amounted to an admission the coalition has failed to turn the economy around.

“If that’s what they’re saying about each other in public, imagine what they’re saying behind closed doors,” Hipkins said.