Christopher Luxon took Defence Force flight home after National Party fundraiser
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is facing criticism for using a Defence Force flight to return home after attending a National Party fundraiser. While the Prime Minister's office cited a late-night meeting and schedule changes, political opponents argue he is misusing military resources.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing debates regarding the appropriate use of taxpayer-funded military assets by government officials for political activities.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon took an NZ Defence Force plane from Whanganui. Photo / NZME
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon used a New Zealand Defence Force Flight to get home from Whanganui after he attended a fundraiser dinner for the local National Party.
Luxon had previously defended taking a Defence Force (NZDF) flight from Whanganui that day, saying he had a “meeting at 10:30pm at night”.
Luxon’s office told the Herald the Prime Minister had initially planned to stay the night in Whanganui and fly to Auckland the next day on a commercial flight. However, the funeral of former National MP Bill Birch required a last-minute change to his schedule.
They said he had attended events in his capacity as prime minister that day.
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