Luxon calls leadership vote and survives; Flooding in central Hawke's Bay, Wellington clean-up continues; Shane Jones reflects on his 'butter chicken tsunami' comment.
Christopher Luxon survives leadership vote he called himself, his party MPs tight-lipped
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a National Party confidence vote he called himself, telling reporters his MPs backed his leadership "decisively".
Luxon emerged from a marathon two-and-a-half-hour meeting, running well beyond the party's usual schedule, to deliver a short, prepared statement.
After making his statement to media, he walked away without taking questions.
Live: Flooding in central Hawke's Bay, Wellington clean-up continues
A clean-up is underway in the Wellington and Wairarapa regions after being hit by torrential rain yesterday morning
Heavy rain warnings remain in place for the regions, which MetService said will add to already sodden soil, increasing the risk of slips and flooding.
'I get cut through': Shane Jones on 'butter chicken tsunami' comment
New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones says parliamentary colleagues have suggested he tones down his public comments but he maintains he gets "cut through" by using hyperbole.
It comes after his recent comments, where he referred to a "butter chicken tsunami" when expressing his immigration concerns with New Zealand's free trade agreement with India.
Watch: Luxon takes aim at media as he fronts after caucus leadership vote
There had been speculation the Prime Minister would face a leadership challenge after recent low polling.
ONE TRAVEL TIP
As the US and Israel's war with Iran squeezes global oil supplies, travellers have valid reasons to worry about the cost and availability of flights as they plan their late spring and summer trips.
Here's why you shouldn't book basic flight tickets during Middle East conflict.
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