When her husband Christopher first contemplated a life in politics, Amanda Luxon didn’t give a lot of thought to the role she might play if he were to make it to the top. Being in the spotlight never appealed much to the former ballet dancer and teacher, nor did she harbour political ambitions of her own. The prospect of one day becoming the “first lady” of Aotearoa wasn’t something she dwelled on.
Yet now, almost two months after Christopher was sworn in as the 42nd prime minister of our country, life is settling into something of a rhythm, and Amanda is embracing this extraordinary new chapter with positivity and calm.
There have been big changes, for sure – round-the-clock surveillance by Diplomatic Protection Service agents and the fact her husband lives in Wellington during the week while she stays at home in Auckland, not to mention her newfound recognition when she’s out and about.
It might be uncharted territory, but as Amanda sits down to chat to The Weekly alongside her daughter and “bestie” Olivia, 22, who is home from Melbourne for the summer, it’s a relaxed and happy scene.
Life might be different, but both she and Olivia insist none of the Luxons have changed a jot since Christopher, 53, got the top job. They still watch movies together in their PJs, have dance parties at night in the kitchen and are as close-knit as they ever were.
“We were normal people before and we’re normal people still,” says Amanda, who is also mum to William, 24. But the words “mission”
