Luxon could not be contacted by Smith at the time, though the pair later met in north Canterbury. Smith has not commented publicly on the matter.
Asked on Newstalk ZB on Monday about the article, Luxon said he had read it and admitted “there’ll be a handful of people who’d understandably be disgruntled”.
He said there were five “that are moaning and frustrated”.
“Of people that I could think that could possibly be talking to media about their frustrations, that’s all I’m saying,” Luxon said.
Later on Monday, Luxon walked those comments back slightly.
Asked who the five MPs were, Luxon maintained that he was simply reacting to media reports.
“My comment was just in reaction to your media reporting quoting a number of sources that you said you had, that’s as much as it is,” he said.
“There’s nothing in the number per se.”
He reiterated he had the “full support” of his caucus.
Luxon said he hadn’t yet spoken with Smith since last week’s reporting, arguing Smith would have raised it with him if it was pressing.
He appeared to acknowledge the existence of a letter from Smith, saying he was “not aware of the letter”.
However, Luxon later indicated he had mistakenly heard a letter being referenced in a reporter’s question.
While Luxon said he wouldn’t discuss caucus matters, he confirmed a conversation would be had during the meeting about recent media speculation and the need to remain unified.
He continued to bat away questions concerning his level of popularity in public polls.
“I appreciate I’m not going to be the person that everyone wants to go to a beer with but they know that I’m actually leading a Government that’s a great custodian of this economy.”
Education Minister and senior National MP Erica Stanford, who was fronting the press conference alongside Luxon, said she had had no contact with anyone from caucus about the party’s leadership.