New Zealand’s former COVID minister Chris Hipkins will become the country’s next prime minister, replacing Jacinda Ardern, after being chosen as the leader of the ruling Labour Party.
The party gave only Hipkins’, the 44-year-old politician, nomination for the candidature. The party confirmed his nomination on Sunday in a meeting, known as the Labour caucus, which was largely a formality.
He was elevated to the top position after Jacinda Ardern announced her sudden resignation saying she had “no more in the tank” to lead the country.
Hipkins praises Jacinda Ardern
Speaking at a news conference after being chosen as the next prime minister, Hipkins said, “This is the biggest privilege and biggest responsibility of my life. I am energized and excited by the challenge that lies ahead.”
Hipkins was immediately elated to follow the leadership of Ardern, who he believed as one of New Zealand’s greatest prime ministers and an inspiration to women and girls all over the world.
Praising the outgoing Prime Minister Ardern, Hipkins said, “She gave voice to those often overlooked in times of challenge and purposefully went about doing politics differently.”
Hipkins’ political journey
However, the criticism that Ardern faced during her tenure is a sign that “we’ve got a way to go to ensure women in leadership receive the same respect as their male counterparts”, he added.
Hipkins, also known by his nickname “Chippy,” developed a reputation for proficiency in handling COVID-19 and served as Ardern’s go-to man when other cabinet ministers were having issues.
In 2008 he was elected to the parliament for the first time. He came to limelight when he was appointed as the COVID minister in November 2020 wherein he was constantly aiding the prime minister in fighting the covid-19 virus. His speeches warning people of coronavirus were light, comedy and were edged in the minds of people, due to his skilled debates.
Hipkins named Carmel Sepuloni as deputy prime minister, New Zealand’s first deputy prime minister of Pacific origin.
46-years-old, Sepuloni belongs to Samoan, Tongan, has a New Zealand European descent and lives in Auckland. She has many portfolios which also include social development and employment and arts, culture and heritage.
Hipkins will announce the names of other ministers later.
Long Road Ahead
In the news conference, Hipkins mentioned the media attention on Ardern’s family and said that he would like to keep his two young children and his family out of the limelight.
A year ago, he said that he and his wife decided to live separately. “She’s still my best friend but we have made that decision in the best interest of our family.”
Regional polls proved that Hipkins was the most popular potential candidate among voters. However, Ardern was popular in her five and a half year tenure, but her ratings went down and she drew harsh criticism owing to strict COVID curbs, rising living costs and mortgage rates, and concerns about crime.
Hipkins faces a difficult road ahead because the Labour party is trailing the opposition in surveys and the nation is anticipated to enter a recession the next quarter before the general election on October 14.
Hipkins accepted the fact that he has to go through a big challenge and his takeover to the new position comes at such a time. But nevertheless determined, he promised that his government will focus on “bread and butter issues”.
“Over the coming week the cabinet will be making decisions on reining in some programmes and projects that aren’t essential right now. We will be focused on middle and low income New Zealanders and the small businesses that are (finding) it tough to get by,” he said.
He mentioned that the economy is in sound shape.
“Our books and our economy are in a better shape than many around the world and we are absolutely resolved to help the New Zealanders through these tough economic times,” he said.
Ardern will give her resignation to King Charles’ representative in New Zealand, Governor General Cindy Kiro. Kiro will appoint and swear in the next prime minister Hipkins on Wednesday.
