ISLAMABAD (PEN) : David Seymour, leader of the ACT New Zealand party, has officially been sworn in as New Zealand’s new deputy prime minister, succeeding Winston Peters as part of a planned leadership rotation within the coalition government formed in 2023.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Saturday at Auckland’s Government House, according to a spokesperson who confirmed the event to Reuters.
Coalition Agreement in Effect
Seymour’s appointment comes as a result of a power-sharing deal between ACT New Zealand, the centre-right National Party, and New Zealand First. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who leads the National Party, continues to head the coalition government.
Seymour, in parliament since 2014, will maintain his responsibilities as Minister for Regulation and continue serving as Associate Minister of Finance, Education, and Health.
Policy Track Record
A vocal advocate for limited government and free-market principles, Seymour has previously championed high-profile legislative efforts. He was instrumental in driving New Zealand’s 2020 euthanasia legalization and supported abortion rights. In 2019, he also publicly backed pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong.
ACT New Zealand, the junior coalition partner, has promoted a more restrictive interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi—New Zealand’s founding document—arguing that the current legal framework unfairly favors Indigenous Māori. However, a related bill proposed by the party failed to pass in parliament last year.
A New Chapter in Coalition Governance
The leadership transition marks a significant moment in the three-party alliance, with Seymour assuming a higher national profile as deputy to Prime Minister Luxon. Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First and a veteran political figure, previously held the deputy role under the terms of the coalition agreement.
Seymour’s promotion is seen as a continuation of the coalition’s commitment to shared leadership and balancing the interests of its constituent parties.