The Prime Minister is in damage control mode after telling struggling business owners in Rotorua to “be adult”. 

Christopher Luxon made the remarks at a business event, and they’ve sparked a fierce backlash. 

He’s since had to apologise after being labelled out of touch and patronising. 

So, is this a gaffe that’ll keep haunting him, or just a bad week in a challenging political environment? And what does it say about how the Government sees its role in supporting or stepping back from struggling businesses? 

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Chief Political Reporter Jamie Ensor joins us to break down how National’s caucus is reacting, and what next. 

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

The Prime Minister&nbsp;is in damage control mode after telling struggling business owners in Rotorua to &ldquo;be&nbsp;adult&rdquo;.&nbsp;
Christopher Luxon made the remarks at a&nbsp;business event,&nbsp;and&nbsp;they&rsquo;ve&nbsp;sparked a fierce backlash.&nbsp;
He&rsquo;s&nbsp;since had to&nbsp;apologise&nbsp;after being labelled out of touch and&nbsp;patronising.&nbsp;
So, is this a gaffe&nbsp;that&rsquo;ll&nbsp;keep haunting him, or just a bad week in a challenging political environment? And what does it say about how the Government sees its role in supporting or stepping back from struggling businesses?&nbsp;
Today on The Front Page,&nbsp;NZ Herald Chief Political Reporter Jamie Ensor joins us to break down how National&rsquo;s caucus is reacting, and&nbsp;what next.&nbsp;
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

Looking for actionable business insights all in one place? 

We're here to help you find a way with a curation of the ‘best bits’ from top business podcasts. 

Save time searching; subscribe to the SME Stream where you can listen to relevant, timely, business-related content today. 

 

Looking for actionable business insights all in one place? 
We're here to help you find a way with a curation of the &lsquo;best bits&rsquo; from top business podcasts. 
Save time searching; subscribe to the SME Stream where you can listen to relevant, timely, business-related content today.&nbsp;
&nbsp;