NZ PM Christopher Luxon reveals country’s love for breakdancer Raygun
New Zealand’s Prime Minister has revealed our cross the Kiwis are huge fans of Aussie breakdancing sensation Raygun.
Wrapping up his Lowy Institute foreign policy address in Sydney, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reflected on some of Australia and New Zealand’s most iconic figures and contributions.
Camera IconMr Luxon rveealed New Zealand is a fan of breakdancer Raygun. NewsWire / Jeremy Piper Credit: News Corp Australia
Camera IconBreakdancer Rachael Gunn went viral after competing at the Paris Olympics. Photo: Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia
After referencing the legendary crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin, Mr Luxon said Australia had also “gifted the world” breakdancer Raygun.
“We’re loving her in New Zealand, we think she’s awesome … so you keep it going,” he said.
Raygun’s unique break dancing style went viral after she competed at the Paris Olympics, gaining international attention from American talk show host Jimmy Fallon, Adele and now New Zealand’s prime minister.
Ms Luxon’s comments came after he met with NSW Premier Chris Minns at Parliament House on Thursday as part of a two-day visit to Australia.
Speaking at the Lowy Institute, he declared New Zealand’s commitment to “deliberately ” developing a “deep and broad” relationship with Australia.
“In quite a simple phrase ‘we are family’ and Australia is New Zealand’s indispensable ally, partner and friend, and you are more relevant to us than ever as we forge our path in a more contested world,” he said.
“And dare I say, we are more relevant to you than ever before, too.”
In his first major foreign policy address as prime minister, Mr Luxon laid out the three “broad ambitions” he has for New Zealand’s relationship with Australia.
Camera IconMr Luxon earlier met with NSW Premier Chris Minns. NewsWire / Nikki Short Credit: News Corp Australia
Mr Luxon said he wants to “bolster shared security” between the two nations, noting in the coming months New Zealand will confirm a new defence capability plan.
His second ambition for the nation’s relationship with Australia is to continue to partner together in support of Pacific priorities.
“New Zealand and Australia are both working as steadfast partners in support of our fellow Pacific Island forum members,” he said.
“Both of our countries have significant familial, cultural and geographic ties into the Pacific, and like Australia, we want to strengthen the region’s capacity to ensure the prosperity and well being of future Pacific generations, especially through the mechanism of the Pacific Islands Forum.”
He said together, New Zealand and Australia contributed half of all aid to the Pacific and were currently working to “improve infrastructure and connectivity” in the region.
Camera IconMr Luxon met with Mr Minns at NSW Parliament on Thursday. NewsWire / Rick Rycroft Credit: News Corp Australia
Finally, Mr Luxon said he wanted to ensure that there are “prosperous economies” on both sides of the Tasman, through “bilateral economic integration”.
“There are further gains I believe, to be had through trans Tasman integration,” he said.
“Australia provides more than half, yes, half of New Zealand’s stock of foreign direct investment and you (Australia) are our second biggest trading partner and for Australia, New Zealand adds an economy the size of Western Australia to your economy.”
Mr Luxon said irrespective of differing politics he and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are “very aligned” on how they think about regional and global issues.
Mr Luxon will meet with Mr Albanese on Friday for the annual Leaders’ Meeting in Canberra and Friday.
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