“Can I be really honest with you, I do not care about some left-wing journalist Nicky Hager, and I also don’t care about the Taxpayers’ Union.”
The book includes comments Luxon made during a 2021 appearance on Williams’ Taxpayers Talk podcast. Then National’s local government spokesman, Luxon thanked Williams and his members for “all the work you do”, adding: “I really enjoy what you guys do.”
It also referenced a comment in a Taxpayers’ Union campaign document that claimed Luxon had told the group to “be louder” when Luxon was asked how the group could help National’s electoral fortunes.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Hager criticised Luxon for his comments and condemned what he described as the group’s links with right-leaning political parties.
“I ask, what was Luxon doing keeping company with these people?” Hager said to the audience at his book launch.
A reporter asked Luxon for his response to quotes that he supported what the Taxpayers’ Union did and whether he stood by that.
“I do not care, and New Zealanders do not care about this topic,” he said before walking away.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaking during the final parliamentary Question Time under the 54th Government. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Act leader David Seymour also grew frustrated with media questioning, initially answering a few before shutting them down.
“Oh shit, you guys, look I’ll tell you what, this is the end of a three-year term, we have done spectacular things for New Zealand,” he said.
He added he was happy to talk about the Government’s work but said: “If you want to ask more questions about [the book], then ask someone else.”
“What I think people will be looking at is a press gallery that is obsessed with one guy who had written a book that is full of factual inaccuracies, quoting disgruntled former staff members of an organisation frankly I have nothing to do with.”