That aside, Luxon’s “parent-child” TED talk to business wasn’t the worst mistake he’s made over the past fortnight. Amid a crowded field, the awkwardly announced exclusion of Opportunity from any future National-led government has to take that prize. By doing so, Luxon has increased National’s dependence on Winston Peters, just when Peters is becoming more and more politically radioactive. It will talk with National post-election, but will not join any government configuration in which Winston Peters remains as Foreign Minister. The furore over Luxon’s performance has been painted as a distraction from “the real issues that Kiwis want to talk about.”