Business leaders back Luxon on growth but rate his political future lower

Sixty-five percent of chief executives and company chairs named Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as the leader with the strongest capacity to drive growth. Only 3 percent named Labour leader Chris Hipkins, according to the New Zealand Herald's annual Mood of the Boardroom survey, reported by RNZ.

The survey draws on the views of around 150 of New Zealand's top business executives. On other measures it was less favourable to Luxon. Respondents scored his overall performance as prime minister at 2.52 out of 5, and he did not make the top 10 of ministers. RNZ reported that he ranked 15th in Cabinet, the group of senior ministers who run the government.

When respondents were asked whether Luxon would remain leader if the coalition government is re-elected, they gave him an average rating of 2.27 out of 5. The Herald's summary of the survey was that chief executives back Luxon on economic growth but doubt his political future. The Herald also reported that Luxon scored highest for promoting New Zealand business.

Education Minister Erica Stanford was rated the top Cabinet minister, with a score of 4.38 out of 5. Fifty-six percent of respondents rated her performance as very impressive.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis was rated a credible finance minister by 74 percent of respondents. Twenty percent said she was not, and 6 percent were unsure. Willis also topped the list of who chief executives trusted most to manage the economy through another economic shock, with 60 percent support. Luxon was next on 57 percent.

Among the other figures named, David Seymour received 33 percent support on the same question. Barbara Edmonds, Labour's finance spokesperson, received 30 percent, and Winston Peters received 15 percent.

The survey also asked about the wider economy. Respondents rated the domestic New Zealand economy at 3.37 out of 5, up from 2.82 out of 5 the previous year. Their optimism about the global economy was rated 2.52 out of 5.

A separate business survey, by the BDO accounting firm, found that 34 percent of respondents felt positive about economic or political factors, and that these were the biggest concerns for firms, RNZ also reported.

The full Mood of the Boardroom coverage is available from the New Zealand Herald.