One photo of a New Zealand politician eating has angered one of Australia’s top doctors

A photo of New Zealand opposition leader Christopher Luxon eating KFC has sparked debate online, with health experts claiming he was promoting ‘unhealthy eating’.

Mr Luxon posted a photo on social media of himself smiling and eating a box of KFC chicken as he reflected on his long day of campaigning.

His party is currently the favorite ahead of Labor as New Zealanders prepare to vote on October 14

“Dinner after another day of campaigning to rebuild the economy and get our country back on track #chicken,” Mr Luxon wrote.

But the image has sparked severe reactions online, including from Australian Medical Association president Professor Steve Robson.

“What a disappointing image and message,” he said.

Professor Robson told Daily Mail Australia it was frustrating to see one of New Zealand’s political leaders promoting unhealthy eating.

‘New Zealand has an abundant food supply that is among the healthiest foods in the world. “It is so disappointing to see a political leader associated with food with little or no nutritional value when there are so many healthy options,” he said.

‘The AMA is campaigning in support of measures to restrict advertising and the targeting of children with advertisements for unhealthy food.’

Many others on social media were also quick to call out Mr. Luxon: “Aw, come on Chris Luxon, you’re better than this. Doing blatant promotional work for a fast food company is shameless.”

“I’ll remember not to look at Luxon when it comes to health policy…” another commented.

“Too bad you had to advertise junk food, but I guess you want the general population to identify with you,” a third wrote.

But some saw the lighter side of Mr. Luxon’s post.

‘Don’t worry Chris, it will be even more fun if you win the election. Get those champions ready!’, one person wrote.

‘NZ thanks you for your work. I’ll PM you in a few months,” said a second.

After two terms in office, the National Party of New Zealand is comfortably ahead in the polls compared to Labor.

Labor was polling in the mid to high 30 percent range at the start of this year – enough to retain government with the help of the Greens and the Maori Party.

But the party has since fallen to the 20 percent mark – a far cry from Labour’s 50 percent under Jacinda Ardern at the 2020 election.

National, on the other hand, is in its 30s and appears ready to govern in coalition with right-wing parties ACT and possibly New Zealand First.

After two terms in office, the National party is well ahead in the polls compared to Labor (photo: Mr Luxon casting his vote in Auckland)

In terms of preferred Prime Minister, both Mr Luxon and Chris Hipkins (pictured) remain relatively close

In terms of preferred prime minister, both Luxon and Chris Hipkins remain relatively close.

A 1News Verian Poll published last week showed both men at 23 percent.

Advance voting has opened for Kiwis ahead of election day on October 14.

The country’s election commission opened more than four hundred polling stations across the country on Monday.