New Zealand Prime Minister Chris luxon, flanked my his caucus, speaks to the media after surviving a 2nd National party leadership vote at Parliament in Wellington on August 12, 2026. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP)
Wellington: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he had the "full support" of his ruling National Party on Wednesday after surviving a leadership challenge called with less than three months until a general election.
Luxon has led New Zealand since 2023 but has been unable to reverse his party's slide in the polls, with a series of gaffes, divisions within his ruling coalition, and rising living costs and unemployment denting his popularity.
He called an emergency meeting on Tuesday after media reported growing speculation that his leadership was no longer tenable.
Following hours of closed-door talks with party grandees, Luxon said he had secured their backing.
"There was a confidence vote in my leadership this morning at our caucus meeting, and I have the full support of our caucus," he told journalists.
"Our caucus is united, and it is determined to win this election," he said.
"We're going back to work, and we're moving on."
The leadership challenge was brought by New Zealand's Defence Minister Chris Penk, who has since been fired, Luxon said in a statement.
Wednesday's was the second challenge to Luxon's leadership this year.
