Chris ‘Chibi’ Hepkins has confirmed the appointment of Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand’s Prime Minister

• Chris Hepkins has been officially confirmed as Jacinda Ardern’s replacement following her resignation as New Zealand’s Prime Minister.
• Hipkins was the sole nomination and received official confirmation at the Labor caucus meeting on Sunday.
• Hipkins named Carmel Cipollone as her second in line, making her the first peace-loving female deputy prime minister.

WELLINGTON — New Zealand’s ruling Labor Party tapped former COVID minister Chris Hepkins on Sunday to replace Jacinda Ardern as its new party leader and become the country’s next prime minister.

Hipkins, 44, was the only candidate for the job, and his confirmation at a Sunday caucus meeting, known as the Labor caucus, was largely a formality.

Her appointment to the top job follows the abrupt resignation Thursday from Ardern, who said she had “nothing left in the tank” to lead the country.

“It’s the greatest privilege and responsibility of my life,” Hipkins said at a press conference announcing his appointment. “I am motivated and excited to take on the challenge that lies ahead of me.”

Ardern’s leadership was immediately recognized by Hipkins, calling him one of New Zealand’s greatest Prime Ministers and an inspiration to women and girls around the world.

“It gave a voice to those who are often overlooked in times of challenge and deliberately did politics differently,” Hipkins said.

Ardern store

But some of the hate Ardern faced while in office reminds us that “we have a long way to go to ensure that women leaders receive the same respect as their male counterparts,” he added.

Known as ‘Chibi’, Hipkins was known for his skill in combating Covid-19 and was Ardern’s problem-solver when other cabinet ministers were in trouble.

First elected to parliament in 2008, he has become a household name for the government’s response to the pandemic. He was appointed Minister of Health in July 2020, before becoming Minister of Covid Response at the end of the year.

Hipkins appointed Carmel Cipollone as Deputy Prime Minister, and the first Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand of peace-loving ancestry.

Cipollone, 46, is of European Samoan, Tongan, and New Zealand descent and lives in Auckland. She holds several ministerial positions, including social development, employment, arts, culture and heritage.

Hepkins said the rest of his team will be announced later.

hard way

Hipkins said he saw the media’s focus on Ardern’s personal life and wanted to keep his two young children and family out of the spotlight.

He said that a year ago he and his wife decided to live separately. “She is still my best friend, but we made this decision for the good of our family.”

Local polls showed Hipkins as the likely candidate most popular with voters. While Ardern was popular at the start of his five-and-a-half-year term, his ratings have plummeted in response to strict Covid-19 restrictions, rising costs of living and mortgage rates and concerns about crime.

Hipkins has a tough road ahead, with Labor trailing the opposition in opinion polls and the country set to slide into recession in the next quarter, ahead of the October 14 general election.

Hopkins admitted he was taking office at a difficult time and said his government would focus on “bread and butter issues”.

He said:

He said the economy is healthy.

“Our books and our economy are in better shape than many around the world, and we are fully committed to helping New Zealanders during these difficult economic times,” he said.

Before Hipkins becomes prime minister, Ardern will hand in his resignation to King Charles’ representative in New Zealand, Governor-General Cindy Kerro. Kerro should appoint Hepkins to this position and he will be sworn in. Hepkins said he will be sworn in on Wednesday.