Christopher Luxon Rules Out Coalition With Opportunity Party

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon formally ruled out working with the Opportunity Party to form a government, stating that National will not do business with any party seeking to increase taxes. During a Monday briefing and subsequent media conference, Luxon specifically criticized the Opportunity Party's proposals for a land tax and a universal basic income, arguing these policies are incompatible with National's low-tax platform.

Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong described the move as tribalism and an "old school way" of doing politics. Wong maintained that her party remains open to good-faith conversations, suggesting that Luxon's position might change if the Opportunity Party is required to form a government. She further claimed that the party's overall tax policy would result in tax cuts for 70 percent of New Zealanders.

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins criticized the announcement as "rushed and haphazard," suggesting Luxon was "caught on the hoof." Hipkins also ruled out support for land or wealth taxes and stated that Labour would announce its own eligible coalition partners before Parliament rises on October 1. ACT leader David Seymour supported Luxon's stance, criticizing the Opportunity Party's economic approach to welfare and property taxation. National MPs defended the decision as consistent with the party's established views.