New Zealand’s new conservative government, led by Christopher Luxon, officially began its term on Monday. Luxon, head of the National Party, took the oath of allegiance to King Charles III and his successors before assuming office.

After the National Party’s victory in the mid-October general election, negotiations ensued with right-wing liberal ACT and NZ First, known for anti-immigration stances, to form the government. Following challenging talks, a deal was finally struck last week.

Under this arrangement, NZ First’s Winston Peters will serve as deputy prime minister for the initial 18 months of the three-year term, succeeded by ACT leader David Seymour. Peters also assumes the role of foreign minister in the 20-member cabinet.

This transition marks the end of six years of governance by the social democratic Labour Party, initially under Jacinda Ardern and later under Chris Hipkins, who took over after Ardern’s unexpected resignation in January.

Christopher Luxon, a successful business figure with a background at Unilever and Air New Zealand, secured the National Party’s candidacy for a secure conservative seat in 2019 and entered parliament in 2020. He assumed leadership of the National Party in November 2021.