PM Luxon Faces Media Amid Tariff Threat and Coalition Campaigning

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is actively participating in media engagements as campaigning intensifies among his coalition partners. This media push occurs as the United States signals a potential increase in tariffs on New Zealand exports, raising them from 10% to 12.5%, possibly as soon as Friday.

The political landscape is heating up, with ACT and NZ First dominating headlines. NZ First, led by Winston Peters, launched its campaign over the weekend, pledging a $1 billion survey of offshore oil and gas reserves if re-elected. Peters also continued his criticism of the India free trade deal and accused both Labour and National of superficial energy policies, advocating for NZ First's approach to energy independence.

Meanwhile, the ACT Party saw a surprise announcement with controversial broadcaster Paul Henry joining its list, a move commentators suggest could boost the party's polling numbers. The National Party is focusing its campaign on modernizing sexual consent laws, proposing reforms to the Crimes Act to ensure consent is actively given, rather than merely the absence of a 'no'. This initiative has drawn criticism from the Labour Party, which accuses National of delaying these changes and choosing to campaign on the issue now.