Luxon, Christopher (1970-…), became prime minister of New Zealand in November 2023. Luxon belongs to the New Zealand National Party, a conservative political party. The National Party traditionally supports free enterprise, a system that allows people to carry out most economic activities free from government control. Luxon became the National Party’s leader in 2021. After the November 2023 parliamentary elections, he formed a governing coalition (partnership) with other political parties. He succeeded Chris Hipkins, of the Labour Party, as prime minister of New Zealand. 
Christopher Mark Luxon was born on July 19, 1970, in Christchurch, New Zealand. He spent much of his childhood in Auckland, New Zealand. Beginning in 1989, he studied at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in commerce in 1991. The following year, Luxon also earned a master’s degree in commerce, majoring in business administration, from the university.
After earning his degree, Luxon began working for the multinational corporation Unilever. In 2008, he became the president and chief executive officer of Unilever Canada. In 2011, Luxon moved to a management position with the Auckland-based airline Air New Zealand. He became the chief executive officer of Air New Zealand in 2013. He retired from the company in 2019. Later that year, he also announced his intention to run for a parliamentary seat as a member of the National Party.
Luxon won his first parliamentary election in 2020, for the eastern Auckland seat of Botany. As a member of Parliament, he served as party spokesperson on several issues, including Māori development and land information. He became known for his conservative views on many social issues. In November 2021, the National Party elected Luxon as leader. Before the 2023 parliamentary elections, Luxon stated his support for lower taxes and stricter law enforcement policies.
In the October 2023 general election, no party won a majority of parliamentary seats. With 48 seats, however, National held the most seats of any party. The ACT New Zealand Party and the New Zealand First Party held a combined total of 19 seats in Parliament. Following a November special election, National won an additional seat, bringing the party’s total to 49 seats. National joined ACT and New Zealand First in forming a coalition government with a 68-seat majority. Luxon was sworn in as prime minister on Nov. 27, 2023.
