National's deputy leader Nicola Willis has defended her leader Christopher Luxon after he was filmed hugging supporters at a party event on Sunday.
National Party Christopher Luxon at his 'state of the nation' event in Auckland on 9 March, 2022. Photo: RNZ
Luxon tested positive for Covid-19 the next day and was expected to chair this morning's caucus meeting via teleconferencing from isolation.
Willis said the National leader had returned a negative test before the event and followed all the rules, including wearing a high-quality mask as often as possible.
"He was wearing a mask, we intentionally kept that event small and people who were sitting in the audience were socially distanced, all those rules were followed.
"I think like many New Zealanders who had a clear negative test he didn't believe he was a risk and he conducted himself completely within the rules."
She said with Omicron spreading, it was a difficult time for all New Zealanders and a good reminder to follow the public health guidelines.
"Many of us still have the urge to have the similar physical contact with colleagues, family and friends that we normally do, and it's very difficult to stop that human instinct to engage with people. Of course that's why mask wearing is so important and why we should all stick to the rules when it comes to reducing transmission."
Luxon's diagnosis via rapid antigen test yesterday followed that of his Finance Spokesperson Simon Bridges.
Willis said she would confirm how many National MPs were now in isolation, but "I understand it's about 11".