The government is forming a Prime Minister’s business advisory council, with Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon as its chair.

The move is aimed at building closer relationships between government and business, with the council providing high-level free and frank advice to the Prime Minister on key economic issues, and creating a vehicle to assist with the development of the government’s economic policies.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced she, together with Luxon, will determine the full makeup of the council and its initial work programme in the coming weeks.

“It will bring new ideas to the table on how we can scale up New Zealand businesses and grow our export-led wealth,” Arden said. “I want to work closely with, and be advised by, senior business leaders, who take a helicopter view of our economy, who are long-term strategic thinkers, who have the time and energy to lead key aspects of our economic agenda.”

The Prime Minister noted the council will complement the work already being done with the Small Business Council and business and union representative groups through the Tripartite Forum.

“I believe all New Zealanders, regardless of our backgrounds, are united in wanting to see a more prosperous economy, a more cohesive society, and an enhanced environment,” added Luxon. “At the end of the day we will all get the country we deserve.”