Chris Hipkins promises a ‘solid’ government that will focus on bread-and-butter issues, in the wake of the international stardom of Jacinda Ardern
No one expects her replacement, who will be confirmed as prime minister this Wednesday, to quite reach these heights. But New Zealand voters might not really care.
There is a good chance that many Kiwis will find this refreshing. As much as New Zealanders liked the idea of their prime minister being properly famous, there was always an undercurrent who thought this was distracting her from issues at home. This generally wasn’t fair – New Zealand has an export economy that requires our politicians to court other countries – but it stuck around and grew as her profile did.
A longtime former staffer of Hipkins, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described him as a relentlessly pragmatic politician focused on bringing the country with the government. But this change will only go so far, and Hipkins will now face huge scrutiny on both his future plans, as well as the problems from his time as ministers of education and Covid-19 – particularly the decision to centralise most of the nation’s polytechnics and the long period it took to open New Zealand’s borders, even as the disease spread around the country.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chris Hipkins formally elected as New Zealand's next prime ministerNew Zealand's ruling Labour Party formally votes to endorse Chris Hipkins as the country's next prime minister following Jacinda Ardern's shock decision to stand down from the role.
Read more »
Incoming New Zealand PM Chris Hipkins thanks Ardern for her ‘inspirational leadership’Incoming New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says Jacinda Ardern provided “inspirational leadership” through the biggest challenges New Zealand has ever faced. “She’s been one of New Zealand’s great prime ministers. Jacinda provided inspirational leadership through a quick succession of the biggest challenges our country has faced,” Mr Hipkins said during a media conference on Sunday. “New Zealand is in a much better position compared to most countries economically and socially because of Jacinda’s leadership and the critical decisions she made. “On behalf of all New Zealanders’ thank you Jacinda.”
Read more »
New Zealand: Chris Hipkins taking over from Jacinda Ardern on WednesdaySole nominee secures Labour endorsement for prime minister, with Carmel Sepuloni as deputy, and incumbent’s last engagements on Tuesday
Read more »
Meet Chris Hipkins, New Zealand’s accidental PMIn his 15 years in parliament, Hipkins was never a candidate in Labour’s five leadership ballots or even mentioned as such. Now he has the top job, and a job to do.
Read more »
New Zealand’s Chris Hipkins vows to focus on inflation ‘pandemic’ and ‘fairer’ tax systemIncoming prime minister echoes Jacinda Ardern’s promise to cut back Labour’s agenda to focus on cost of living issues
Read more »
‘Biggest privilege’: Chris Hipkins confirmed as next NZ Prime MinisterNew Zealand Labour MPs officially elected Chris Hipkins to serve as the nation’s next Prime Minister following Jacinda Ardern’s shock resignation.
Read more »