Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has delivered a Christmas message to New Zealanders, acknowledging that 2025 has been "a tough year for some" and that the holiday season may not be "joyous and easy to celebrate" for everyone.
The video was posted to his social media accounts with the caption: "Merry Christmas, New Zealand".
"At this time of the year, it’s time to finally slow down and to take a moment to be with the people who matter most: your family, your friends and your neighbours," Luxon said.
"It’s time to get out and enjoy the sunshine, the barbecues, the sandy feet and the long drives. Those iconic things that make a Kiwi Christmas and a Kiwi summer so special to all of us."
He thanked those working through the holiday period, paying tribute to the defence force, police, frontline services, emergency responders and those working in hospitals, aged-care and essential services.
"Many of you are going to be working while the rest of us gather with our loved ones. I want to say thank you for what you’ve contributed this year, and thank you for keeping the country running over this Christmas-New Year period."
Luxon also acknowledged that 2025 "has been a tough year for some Kiwis, and this Christmas may not be as joyous and easy to celebrate as previous ones".
The prime minister then listed a few areas he believed his Government was succeeding, including lower inflation and interest rates, lower crime, better education, and investment in infrastructure.
"As we go into 2026, I’m really optimistic about our country and how we can grow and what we can achieve together.
"But until then, and from my family to yours, we wish every Kiwi a safe and peaceful and joyful Christmas. We hope you all have a fantastic summer break, come back refreshed, recharged and in good spirits for 2026.
"Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and enjoy a great Kiwi summer."
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