National Party members are convening in Lower Hutt this weekend for their annual general meeting, where the party is expected to focus on economic policy ahead of a major announcement. Leader Christopher Luxon and president Sylvia Wood will open the event, followed by a keynote address from finance spokesperson Nicola Willis.
What is on the agenda for the National Party?
The party’s weekend schedule features a series of policy forums led by senior members. Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis is set to chair a session on jobs and incomes alongside Chris Bishop, Louise Upston, and Todd McClay. A separate forum covering health and education will be hosted by Matt Doocey, Simeon Brown, Erica Stanford, and Penny Simmonds. According to reports, Sunday’s proceedings will include a candidate roll call and a speech from campaign chair Simeon Brown. Additionally, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to unveil a new economic policy on Sunday.
Why does the economy remain a central focus?
Economic performance and the ongoing fuel crisis are primary themes for the gathering. While the fuel crisis creates uncertainty regarding inflation and growth, Luxon pointed to recent GDP data as a sign of resilience. According to Luxon, the party’s budget projections anticipate an average economic growth of 2.7% over the next four years. He noted that this projected rate remains higher than those of Australia, Japan, and the European Union. This focus on economic management follows the party’s 2023 election-year goal, where they aimed for 45% of the party vote but ultimately secured 38% before entering a three-way coalition with ACT and New Zealand First.
What changes are expected in party leadership and representation?
Ahead of the meeting, two prominent figures confirmed they will shift their focus for the upcoming election. Speaker Gerry Brownlee and list MP Nancy Lu have announced they will run as list-only candidates. Brownlee stated that he intends to remain the Speaker of the House for non-Parliamentary matters while supporting his colleagues during the campaign. Lu, who joined Parliament following the Port Waikato by-election, indicated she will continue her work engaging with ethnic communities. She cited her efforts in securing visa adjustments and mental health funding for Asian communities as key priorities for her campaign.
What happens next in the political calendar?
The National Party is the first of the major political organizations to hold its annual meeting this year. Other parties are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks. The ACT Party and the Labour Party—which refers to its meeting as a “congress”—will host their respective events next weekend. The Green Party and New Zealand First are scheduled to hold their annual meetings next month. As no board member positions are currently up for election, the party’s governance structure will remain stable until the next round of renewals in 2027.
