New Zealand / Politics

Watch: Christopher Luxon, new ministers sworn in at Government House

12:46 pm on 27 November 2023

Christopher Luxon has been officially sworn in as New Zealand's 42nd prime minister.

Following a karakia and the national anthem, Luxon confirmed to the Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro he had the confidence to form a government.

Dame Cindy also appointed the rest of the executive council, which includes 20 Cabinet ministers, eight ministers outside Cabinet, and two Parliamentary under-secretaries.

Holding a Bible, Luxon swore allegiance to King Charles III, his heirs, and successors, before signing his oaths.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters also chose to swear on a Bible, though ACT leader David Seymour opted not to.

Winston Peters has been sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

New Zealand First minister Shane Jones was the first to deliver his oath and affirmation in te reo Māori. National's Tama Potaka, who delivered a karakia on behalf of the executive council, also delivered his oath and affirmation in te reo Māori.

Following her oath and affirmation in English, National's Melissa Lee delivered hers in Korean, the first time this had ever been done.

After the signing of the warrants, Luxon addressed the Governor-General and his new ministerial colleagues.

"You have been entrusted with a massive responsibility," he told ministers.

"I ask that you never lose sight of one thing, which is why we came to Parliament in the first place, and that is to do public service.

"Public service is a tremendous privilege, because what it comes with is a government of relatively few people making sure that they are there each and every day to improve the lives of Kiwis."

He asked them to think about that "as we work together to improve this great nation of ours".

"We now have a responsibility to deliver for New Zealanders, to give them clear, demonstrable and measurable improvements in the quality of their lives."

"I look forward to working with each and every one of you to make a positive difference as we drive out this agenda of our government."

Perhaps due to the nerves and auspiciousness of the occasion, there were a few fumbles.

Luxon pronounced heirs as "hairs", while National's Mark Mitchell accidentally introduced himself as Park Matrick Mitchell, before correcting himself.

In a statement, Labour leader Chris Hipkins congratulated Luxon on his appointment as prime minister.

"New Zealand has been through some tough times but we are seeing the economy turning, wages growing, and climate emissions reducing. I hope this progress continues."

Hipkins also encouraged the new government to commit to funding public services.

He officially resigned as prime minister to the Governor-General at 9.30am on Monday.

The swearing-in follows weeks of coalition talks between National, ACT and New Zealand First.

Luxon, Seymour and Peters fronted media last Friday to confirm how the new government would look and policies it would be delivering.