A business leader on Luxon

Stuff reports:

But Ottrey had only positive things to say about the Prime Minister, remarking that Luxon – who used to lead Air New Zealand as chief executive – was “so great at engaging” with her team and and other businesspeople.

“He’s so great at engaging with all of the people that we have here, but also, he knows his business, and he knows what it is to help companies like us trade with the world. We need to do that in New Zealand because that’s our way to prosperity.”

Ottrey is also a business advisory councillor for APEC, the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit – this year hosted in South Korea – where Luxon spent the past few days. The event brings together leaders from nations on the Pacific rim, including the two largest economies: China and the United States.

While the size of New Zealand’s economy pales in comparison to those superpowers, Luxon managed to score face-time with the leaders of both countries. President Donald Trump even went so far as to tell reporters: “I like your man from New Zealand.”

Luxon also oversaw a relationship upgrade with the host nation, South Korea, which is currently New Zealand’s fifth largest trading partner. And while those sorts of deals involve a team of officials and don’t happen overnight, Ottrey gave Luxon’s administration credit.

“The way the Government is moving, increasing the number of bilateral and multilateral arrangements we have is really, really good for our businesses, because it gives us opportunities… and removes barriers to do businesses in those countries,” Ottrey told Stuff.

It’s a useful reminder that the PM has a very strong business background, and can use it to benefit New Zealand.