WELLINGTON (Reuters) – New Zealand’s election has become a contest between two individuals named Chris. Recent polls indicate that Christopher Luxon, leader of the National Party, is likely to replace Chris Hipkins, the current prime minister and leader of the Labour party.
However, surprises are still possible under New Zealand’s mixed-member proportional electoral system.
Here are some details about Hipkins and Luxon:
CHRISTOPHER LUXON:
* Luxon, a former airline executive, is a 53-year-old father-of-two.
* He entered parliament in 2020 and assumed leadership of the National Party and the opposition in November 2021.
* Although he received his education in New Zealand, he spent much of his corporate career working for global consumer goods company Unilever in Australia, North America, and Britain.
* He returned to New Zealand in 2012 to lead Air New Zealand.
* In a predominantly secular country, Luxon has openly expressed his Christian faith and anti-abortion position. He has also committed to reforming abortion laws, resulting in its legalization in 2020.
* Luxon is a millionaire and owns multiple properties throughout the country.
CHRIS HIPKINS:
* Hipkins, a career politician, is a 45-year-old father-of-two.
* He assumed the roles of prime minister and leader of the Labour Party in January when Jacinda Ardern stepped down.
* Hipkins joined parliament in 2008 and gained recognition for leading the government’s response to the pandemic.
* He has faced criticism for his handling of certain strict COVID measures, including lengthy lockdowns.
* Known as Chippy around parliament, Hipkins is renowned for his sense of humor.
* He is an outdoor enthusiast and an avid cyclist.
Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Stephen Coates
