Politics

Covid-19: Political year kicks off with National Party retreat, PM in isolation

07:29 am on 31 January 2022

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National MPs will spend today and tomorrow in Queenstown navigating the best way forward under the leadership of Chris Luxon, as Aotearoa readies for a third year battling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Luxon has a big job on his hands to make sure his caucus is focused and performing after a nightmare few years which has seen public support and confidence dramatically eroded.

In a most unusual start to the political year, instead of preparing to head north for Waitangi Day, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is self isolating after being exposed to a positive case the weekend before last on a flight from Kerikeri to Wellington.

Political editor Jane Patterson spoke to Susie Ferguson.