Analysis: Respect within the coalition will be key to successfully delivering on its policy promises, writes 1News political reporter Felix Desmarais.
Wow. There's a new three-headed sheriff in charge, and things are about to get very interesting.
Today was the second time New Zealand got to see the three key figures in the new coalition government. The first was a carefully posed still image of Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters and David Seymour in a conference room at the Pullman Hotel.
Closed to the media, we'll never know the real vibe in that room that day.
But today, the three men stood together, united to form a government. Luxon had his characteristic beaming smile. He looked genuinely chuffed. Seymour looked engaged and serious, watching Luxon as he spoke.
Peters kept his head down for much of Luxon's speech, barely looked in Seymour's direction, and otherwise swung between a scowl (that primarily aimed at the assembled media) and a 10,000W grin (usually following a burn on said media).
An occasion such as this morning's should usually have an air of dignity and decorum. It's an occasion to, in a way, rise gracefully above the scrapping political speak. You've already won the election, after all. It's usually a time to lay out the vision, not re-litigate grievances.
That dignity, decorum and vision appeared to be Luxon and Seymour's intention for the occasion.
Luxon, appearing exuberant, spoke of the trust placed in National by voters and how it was mutual. He said he couldn't wait to get to work. Seymour spoke at length of the ACT policy wins he believes will move the country forward.
Peters, speaking first after Luxon, appeared to take the nearest opportunity to call the media "mathematical morons".
It was in reference to media reporting that yesterday had been 40 days and 40 nights since the election, which is a fact as that is how time works. His umbrage appeared to be that the count should begin from when special votes had been counted on November 3.
Some may consider this an unusual point to prioritise upon the - one would think - otherwise happy occasion of a government formation.
The phrase has also been used by his own deputy.
But Peters' utterances were further littered with jabs at the media, which seems unnecessary given his party could boast of its many policy wins instead.
Polls closed on October 14, but New Zealand didn't have a government until November 24. (Source: 1News)
Sideshow
The press conference was, of course, for the public to be advised of that vision, not for them to witness a sideshow of a circus. Luxon's grin remained plastered on but at one point he did have to rein Peters in with a (half) joking "alright, alright".
It came off as chaotic, defensive and churlish. It was in sharp contrast to Luxon and Seymour who conveyed the "strong and stable" story this government so badly wants to tell.
It's especially unusual since Peters, one of the most successful and experienced politicians in our history, is wholly capable of exuding a statesmanship in a way few others can. He also espouses decorum, respect and manners.
Individuality and a strong and unique voice in politics is essential but, in a coalition, knowing when to scrap for votes and when to be a united and dignified Government with a capital G shows respect for those coalition partners.
It's that respect that will support the three-way relationship this government will live and die on.
With such a strong and clear path forward in its coalition agreements, anything else could stymie the successful delivery of its promised policy programme.
Last week, Luxon and Seymour exchanged good-natured jibes about one another getting over-excited about various issues, both putting it down to having too much Weet-Bix.
A little over-excitement and wheat-based cereals may be what today's press conference can be put down to.
Perhaps it would be best to stick to cornflakes for the next three years.
SHARE ME