Stanford’s statement said Luxon “continues to have my full support, as he always has”.
She left the conference through a back door, meaning she did not speak to waiting media.
The Herald asked on behalf of itself and other media whether she could return at some time during the day to speak, but was told she was busy in education-related meetings the rest of the day.
She briefly spoke to Bishop and other National MPs before leaving through a back door.
Luxon explained Stanford’s absence was due to her speaking on a panel at the same time.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, flanked by National ministers, speaking after his formal address at the conference. Photo / Anna Heath
Speaking to media, Luxon would not answer questions about whether Penk acted alone.
Luxon said he and Stanford had spoken since Wednesday.
“We have [spoken], yes, but I just say to you we came out of Wednesday, we’ve talked about that the last two days, I haven’t got much more to add,” he said.
He was asked three times whether he believed Penk acted alone.
“It’s great you’re out of the bubble today mate,” Luxon said to the press, one of whom had travelled from Wellington.
“I’m just saying to you, we have discussed that ad nauseam over the last 48 hours, I get it was a bit of a frustrating period for everybody.
“But we came out of that caucus united, focused and I’m very proud of my team that are there to take New Zealand forward.”
Asked again, Luxon said, “I’m not getting into that. We’ve talked about that before. I don’t know how to be any clearer with you, I appreciate you might want to continue to niggle away on it.
“Thats lovely but that’s not what we’re interested in.”
On Thursday, Luxon answered “yes” when asked whether he believed Penk acted alone but has refused to take further questions on the matter.