January 22, 2023 – 08:55
Chris Hipkins, New Zealand’s new Prime Minister, speaks at his first press conference in parliament in Wellington on January 23, 2023 – Image: Marty Melville/AFP
Former minister Chris Hepkins was elected president of the New Zealand Labor Party on Sunday, so he will become prime minister in place of Jacinda Ardern, who resigned this week, according to MTI.
Hipkins, 44, was the only candidate for the position, so his election comes as no surprise, and his successor will be Carmel Cipollone. The candidate for prime minister announced in a joint press conference with his deputy on Sunday that the constitutional oath will be taken on Wednesday.
Cipollone entered national politics in 2008, becoming a Member of Parliament, the first Tongan in New Zealand. “The fact that I have become Deputy Prime Minister is of great importance to the Pacific community. I will proudly represent Samoans and Tongans as well as New Zealanders of European descent and all residents of the country, regardless of their origin,” the politician said. Hipkins and Cipollone will head the government until October 14, when there will be parliamentary elections.
Hipkins was also first elected to Parliament in 2008, and in November 2020 became Minister for Covid-19. Then, until now, he has headed a portfolio responsible for police, education and public services.
Hipkins’ predecessor, Jacinda Ardern, was Prime Minister of New Zealand for five and a half years. On Thursday, Ardern announced without precedent that she was stepping down as prime minister. You can read our article about the 42-year-old Prime Minister, his work and his personality here.
