Luxon rules out Michael Laws as minister following sexist remarks

Wednesday 4 November 2026 · 5 outlets · 10 reports · updated Wed 4 Nov, 3:04pm8 new reports

In this story Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters, NZ First, The Opportunity Party, Qiulae Wong, Michael Laws

National leader Christopher Luxon has ruled out NZ First candidate Michael Laws from serving as a minister after Laws made sexist comments about Opportunity Party candidates. Laws has unreservedly apologised for the remarks, which he described as intended to be wry and puckish, though Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong has called for him to stand down.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldWed 4 Nov, 6:00am

   The return of ‘Luigi’s ferret’: Why Michael Laws wants to be an MP again after 30 years (opens in new tab)Premium

   • Election 2026: Michael Laws apologises for causing offence after Winston Peters tells him off for sexist comments (opens in new tab) Wed 4 Nov, 2:58pm
2. Otago Daily TimesWed 4 Nov, 12:08pm

   Luxon rules out Laws as minister after ‘disgusting’ ‘sexist’ rant about women in Opportunity Party (opens in new tab)

3. StuffWed 4 Nov, 12:21pm

   Opportunity Party calls out 'creepy', 'misogynist' NZ First candidate (opens in new tab)

   • Michael Laws will be reprimanded (opens in new tab) Wed 4 Nov, 12:38pm
   • NZ First MP asked if she'd be happy to work beside Michael Laws (opens in new tab) Wed 4 Nov, 12:43pm
   • Opportunity leader calls for 'swift action against Michael Laws (opens in new tab) Wed 4 Nov, 2:03pm
4. The PostWed 4 Nov, 12:30pm

   Christopher Luxon rules out Michael Laws as minister over ‘disgusting’ comments (opens in new tab)

5. 1NewsWed 4 Nov, 12:38pm

   Full video: Opportunity's Wong speaks after Michael Laws comments (opens in new tab)

   • NZ First's Laws sorry for sexist remarks, won't say if asked to quit (opens in new tab) Wed 4 Nov, 3:04pm