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This morning as he made a visit to the Clevedon Village Farmers Market with his Finance Minister Nicola Willis, Luxon also backed the Government’s commitment to cancer drugs.
Luxon believed that Kiwis were “incredibly pleased” that they have funded the core Pharmac budget to the tune of $1.8 billion.
“I want everyone to understand we are very, very committed to increasing cancer drugs and making them more available to New Zealanders,” he said.
“We’ve been working hard on that, we’ve got more work to do and we’ll have something more to say about that shortly.”
“Niue and Fiji are two of New Zealand’s closest friends in the Pacific. The Government is committed to deeper and more comprehensive relationships in the region and this visit is an opportunity to reaffirm New Zealand’s position as a trusted partner,” Luxon said.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon posed for selfies at the farmers' market this morning. Photo / Alex Burton
With Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters also out of the country later in the week on a trip to Southeast Asia, he was asked if that would mean David Seymour would be left in charge.
“Mr Syemour will be a very capable Prime Minster,” Luxon said, before correcting himself, “Deputy Prime Minister.”
Niue marks 50 years of self-government this year in free association with New Zealand and Luxon says it’s a significant milestone.
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka inspecting the guard of honour during his welcome ceremony at Parliament last year. Photo / Mark Mitchell
“Niue and New Zealand have a unique constitutional arrangement and we work closely together. As we celebrate this anniversary, it’s important we also look forward to the next 50 years.
“Our mutual expectations and priorities, and how we can reinforce our special relationship, is something I will be discussing with Premier Dalton Tagelagi,” Luxon said.
“Fiji is a critical partner for New Zealand, as we navigate the increasingly choppy geostrategic waters ahead.
“The partnership between our two countries is broader than most New Zealanders are aware of, from our close security co-operation to our business links, and – of course – our shared love of rugby.”
The Fiji part of the trip is set to have a significant trade and economic focus.
“Fiji is our biggest trading partner amongst Pacific islands countries and there is plenty of scope to leverage even more economic opportunities for Kiwi and Fijian businesses,” Luxon said.
