The Deputy Prime Minister has stepped in to host the PM's weekly briefing as Christopher Luxon visits Japan.
Luxon's trade mission was almost derailed during a brief stopover in Papua New Guinea after two fuses blew in the official Defence Force Boeing 757 while it was being refuelled.
Luxon caught a commercial flight out of Port Moresby to salvage the start of his three-day programme in Japan, leaving Trade Minister Todd McClay to look after the 52-person business and media delegation.
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