Critics slam speech as lacking hope, vision.
New Zealand's opposition to National Party leader Christopher Luxon's State of the Nation address has been fierce, with Green Party Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick calling it a "reheat of rhetoric that's failed us for more than 40 years." The speech offered no real solutions to pressing issues such as record numbers of New Zealanders leaving the country, infrastructure investment, and climate change.
According to Swarbrick, Luxon's plan relies on "magically 'growing' out of our problems" while slashing essential investments. This approach has already led to disastrous consequences, including manufactured electricity crises during winters, closure of pulp and paper mills in Ohakune and Tokoroa, and lack of industrial planning for miners.
Critics argue that Luxon's policies prioritize the wealthy over the average New Zealander, allowing the wealthiest 311 households to hold more wealth than the bottom two and a half million people while paying half their effective tax rate. Swarbrick urged the government to invest in New Zealand's talent rather than relying on billionaires to save the country.
The Green Party's response highlights concerns that Luxon's vision for a unified and prosperous Aotearoa New Zealand is lacking, leaving many questioning whether his plans will address the nation's pressing issues or exacerbate existing problems.