PM Christopher Luxon Defends Emergency Measures and Updates Fuel Outlook

PM Christopher Luxon hits back at Wairoa Mayor Craig Little's "woke" comments on Cyclone Vaianu, while providing updates on fuel stocks and India FTA negotiations.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 5:07 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Emergency Response: "I'll Happily Wear a Woke Label"

The Prime Minister’s comments follow Wairoa Mayor Craig Little’s refusal to join other Hawke's Bay councils in declaring a local state of emergency, which Little labeled as a symptom of a "woke" country. Luxon stood by the proactive measures taken by 10 local authorities.

Safety First: Luxon emphasized that with road closures, power outages, and flooding reported across multiple regions, the declarations were necessary.

Preparedness: "I'd sooner be prepared than talking to you about an event that we were underprepared for," Luxon said, noting that teamwork between iwi, NIWA, and first responders is improving with each storm.

Personal Responsibility: The PM urged households to maintain evacuation plans and supply kits, specifically warning: "Don't go driving through floodwaters because that's how we've been losing lives."

Fuel Security and Rationing Plans