ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Politics
UNFORGIVABLE
National Party insiders are reportedly preparing for a third leadership coup after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made the shocking mistake of confusing the New Zealand Warriors with the NSW Waratahs, who are in fact teams from different countries who play different sports.
The latest blunder came during the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau, where Luxon was asked about Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s assessment of the NRL.
“I gave [Albanese] a hard time about it last night,” Luxon began, trying hard to sound like a relatable bloke. “It’s going to be the Waratahs … it’s going to be the Warriors versus the Dolphins is what I’m thinking,” he said finally in a scrambling attempt to correct himself.
However, the damage had already been done for lifelong National voter Jayden Jenkins, who has announced that he will no longer be voting for the party.
“I’ve defended this bloke through a lot,” said Jenkins.
“I defended him through the countless gaffes he’s had over the past few years to date.
“But calling the Warriors the Waratahs? That’s where I draw the line.
“I never thought I’d say this, but I’m considering putting my party vote next to someone who can correctly identify our one and only NRL team.”
Political commentators say the incident could prove catastrophic for National, particularly given the Warriors are guaranteed at least two home finals matches after securing a top-two finish.
“The average National voter can tolerate a lot,” said political analyst Brent McSomething.
“But confusing the Warriors with the Waratahs when the Warriors are sitting on top of the NRL is potentially devastating.”
When our reporters pressed Luxon he answered with authority
“What I will say is the shareholders of New Zealand should know I’m a big supporter of the Warriors. I’ve supported them since I was a little boy watching Super Rugby.”
Our reporters tried to seek comment from National MPs, however many of them told us they were about to catch a last minute flight to Wellington.
More to come.
