Thursday, November 14, 2024

Weight of responsibility ‘still sinking in’ says NZ’s next PM

Chris Hipkins – the nation’s current minister for education, police and the public service – will become New Zealand’s next prime minister, after he was named as the sole nominee for the Labour leadership vacated by Jacinda Ardern. 

On Thursday, Ms Ardern resigned from the prime ministership and confirmed a 2023 election date of 14 October – leaving Mr Hipkins with less than eight months until polling day.

Mr Hipkins was nominated uncontested by the party caucus this morning. The caucus is due to formally endorse his selection tomorrow.

He told reporters today that taking on New Zealand’s leadership would be “the biggest responsibility and the biggest privilege of my life”.

“The weight of that responsibility is still sinking in,” he said.

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