COMPARING NOTES: LUXON v ARDERN
IN THE HOUSE
Luxon: Not his comfort zone. Relies on written notes for almost all questions and all speeches but has been an MP for only two years. Ardern: Superior but not unexpected. Often makes mincemeat of Luxon when answering his questions. Not bad at delivering speeches but they are rarely memorable. Has had a lot more experience with
14 years as an
MP, including five as Prime Minister.
HANDLING PRESSURE Luxon:
Untested in terms of coping with high-level pressure in politics but has certainly coped with it well in Air NZ and with internal crises in his own party, including disciplining two MPs, Sam Uffindell and Barbara Kuriger.
Ardern: The pressure could not have been higher for the issues she has had to deal with as PM, namely a massacre, natural disaster and pandemic. Whatever else she lacks, it is not the ability to cope with pressure.
HANDLING MEDIA Luxon:
Very good. Runs a good press conference. Not too long. Crisp and descriptive answers that usually have a good soundbite for broadcast. Should avoid reciting long lists to describe a problem. It’s hypnotic. Has good relationships with media.
Ardern: Controlling. Runs a press conference like a school headmistress who doesn’t like any calling out. Does not have many good relationships with the media that go beyond a bit of banter at a press conference.