Luxon's chief press secretary Hamish Rutherford resigns

Wednesday, 25 September 2024

Hamish Rutherford, often seen standing behind Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in press scrums, such as in this photo, has resigned as chief press secretary.

A communications overhaul for the Government is under way, as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s chief press secretary resigns.

Hamish Rutherford, who has worked for Luxon since 2022, confirmed on Wednesday he had resigned and would leave by the end of the year.

Rutherford, a former senior political and business journalist, has spearheaded the prime minister’s communications from the ninth floor as part of a team that includes Jasmine Higginson, soon to go on maternity leave.

Another departure will need replacing: Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ press secretary Rachael Bowie.

It is not unusual for there to be turnover in Beehive offices, where demands on ministers and their staff are often intense. A similar renewal of staff occurred about a year into the Ardern Government’s tenure in 2018.

Rutherford, in a statement on Wednesday morning, said it had been an “absolute honour” to work for Luxon in Opposition and since the election.

“But it as become clear to me over the past few months that I am not prepared to do the full term.”

He intended to go on a decent summer break and spend more time with his family. Rutherford had a child shortly after joining National in 2022.

“The one consistent piece of parenting advice I’ve received is that you will miss your kids being small,” he said.