Politicians Host Festive Office Parties Amid Holiday Cheer

As the holiday season unfolds, political leaders across New Zealand gathered for festive office parties, showcasing a blend of camaraderie and the usual banter that characterizes their interactions. The events, held on December 15, 2023, provided a glimpse into the lighter side of politics, albeit with moments that highlighted the typical challenges of party planning.

Luxon’s National Party Celebration

Christopher Luxon hosted the National Party’s Christmas office party at his residence, emphasizing a forward-looking approach. Guests were treated to an array of cheese and crackers, although a notable oversight in drink provisions led to some light-hearted criticism.

“Help yourselves to cheese and crackers,” Luxon suggested, only to be reminded by Mark Mitchell that guests had arrived with “nothing to drink.” The BYO invitation seemed to have been lost on many, resulting in a somewhat awkward situation as cabinet members hovered without refreshments.

As the evening progressed, the cheese and crackers dwindled, with Nicola Wills pointing out the shortage. Luxon playfully suggested a line-up to determine who was responsible for the missing snacks, but in the end, the party concluded early, allowing everyone to be fresh for the next day’s work on economic growth.

Hipkins and the Labour Party Gathering

In contrast, Chris Hipkins hosted the Labour Party’s Christmas gathering, which was noticeably quieter. Only one member, Kieran, could attend, underscoring the party’s commitment to engaging with constituents at the grassroots level.

“Help yourself,” Hipkins encouraged, as Kieran poured a drink and settled down with snacks. A small mishap involving crumbs from the crackers prompted Hipkins to resort to a handheld vacuum cleaner to tidy up the mess. Despite the low turnout, Hipkins managed to find humor in the situation, focusing on the wine mark left on the table as part of the festive atmosphere.

Green Party and Awkward Moments

The Green Party’s celebration, organized by Chloë Swarbrick, also had its share of challenges. A guest, Benjamin Doyle, raised concerns about the term “crackers,” arguing it was disrespectful to those in the rainbow community. Swarbrick attempted to clarify but found the conversation turned into a lengthy debate. Despite this awkward interaction, the party atmosphere remained lively and enjoyable for the rest of the attendees.

ACT Party’s Culinary Misstep

Meanwhile, the ACT Party, led by David Seymour, faced culinary challenges as well. The choice of a school lunch provider for catering did not meet expectations, leading to complaints about the quality of the food. An outbreak of giardia was reported, overshadowing an otherwise festive event.

Te Pāti Māori’s Solo Celebration

Rawiri Waititi of Te Pāti Māori opted for a more solitary celebration at his mountain retreat. The lack of attendees, food, and drink highlighted a stark contrast to the bustling gatherings of other parties, allowing him to enjoy a moment of reflection on leadership and community values.

New Zealand First’s Joyful Festivity

Lastly, Winston Peters celebrated with a lively gathering for New Zealand First. His party was marked by abundant food and drink, encouraging dancing and merriment that lasted until dawn, embodying the festive spirit of the season.

These gatherings, while often light-hearted, reflect the unique dynamics within New Zealand’s political landscape. As the end of the year approaches, these moments provide a necessary respite from the often serious nature of governance, allowing politicians to connect and celebrate in a more personal setting.