Labour spreads “misinformation” about Christchurch debate

The Press Leaders' Debate has been cancelled because Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has Covid19.

It was reported by some media that National Party Leader Christopher Luxon “pulled out” of the debate - but this was untrue.

Health Minister Ayesha Verrall posted a photo on X showing National Leader Christopher Luxon in a chicken costume with the headline “Christopher Luxon Pulls out of Major leaders debate.”

The misleading tweet prompted X, the company formerly known as Twitter, to add a fact-check disclaimer under Verrall’s post stating “Chris Hipkins got Covid - the original debate had to be cancelled. There were no alternative dates that worked for both parties.”

Luxon said on social media “I’m extremely disappointed to see Labour falsely claiming that I have "pulled out" of the Stuff Press debate.

“To be clear, I have not pulled out of the debate – the debate isn’t going ahead because Chris Hipkins has Covid and rescheduling during the last week of the campaign has proven impossible.

“Claims that I have pulled out are just more misinformation being spread by Labour, because they have nothing positive to say about themselves and have no positive plans for New Zealand.

“Labour have no track record to run on, so again, they are resorting to desperate smears. Kiwis deserve better.

“I’ve already debated Chris Hipkins twice and I look forward to debating him again in the final debate on TVNZ next Thursday night.

“In the meantime, I’m looking forward to spending the final two weeks of the campaign meeting Kiwis, and telling them how a change to a National Government will rebuild the economy, drive down the cost of living, restore law and order, improve education and healthcare, and deliver tax relief.