Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addresses comments made to Rotorua business owners after being told their confidence in the economic outlook is low. According to reports, Luxon responds that the outlook is “quite negative” and urges business owners to respond constructively. New Zealand Herald reports that Luxon tells them to “be adult” in their approach to the situation.
Stuff reports that the Prime Minister’s Office challenges how some of Luxon’s remarks were characterized, saying there is a “mischaracterisation” of what he said to business owners. Stuff also notes Luxon is responding to claims that Rotorua businesses’ confidence sits at a low point.
Across the coverage, the dispute centers on both the substance of Luxon’s message about a weak outlook and how his comments are portrayed. The reporting indicates Luxon’s remarks are made in the context of outreach to local businesses and feedback about their expectations for economic conditions.
