Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is defending using taxpayer money to pay for his te reo Maori lessons when in Opposition. Mr Luxon has recently been critical of public servants being paid to learn the language and receiving bonuses for being proficient in it. Speaking to reporters at his post-cabinet press conference, Mr Luxon says people should be encouraged to learn Te Reo. Christopher Luxon has confirmed he will fly to Australia on Wednesday, his first overseas engagement since taking office. He will meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Sydney and the pair are expected to discuss security, defence and the Indo-Pacific region.