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Luxon survives confidence vote, removes Penk, reshuffles cabinet

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon survived a confidence vote and stripped MP Chris Penk of his ministerial portfolios.
A 1News Verian poll released on August 12 gave Luxon a 17 % preferred-prime-minister rating and Labour leader Chris Hipkins 15 %.
Penk announced he will not seek re-election in the November 7 general election.
Paul Goldsmith took over the Defence, Veterans, Space, GCSB and NZSIS portfolios while Simon Watts was appointed Minister for Building and Construction.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon survived a confidence vote and stripped MP Chris Penk of his ministerial portfolios.
A 1News Verian poll released on August 12 gave Luxon a 17 % preferred-prime-minister rating and Labour leader Chris Hipkins 15 %.
Penk announced he will not seek re-election in the November 7 general election.
Paul Goldsmith took over the Defence, Veterans, Space, GCSB and NZSIS portfolios while Simon Watts was appointed Minister for Building and Construction.