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Chris Hipkins, New Zealand’s former Covid-19 response minister, vowed Saturday to “get things done” and win the upcoming October general election after being chosen as the sole candidate to succeed Jacinda Ardern as prime minister. The 44-year-old red-headed politician emerged as the sole nominee to lead the ruling Labour Party in a meeting of parliament members, and now faces what is seen as a mere formality of confirmation by his colleagues on Sunday.
Following Ardern’s shock resignation on Thursday, he will take over as the country’s 41st prime minister as party leader. Ardern stated that she would resign by February 7, but she could do so sooner given that her replacement was chosen in less than 48 hours.
Hipkins told reporters in front of the Wellington city’s parliament, “I like to think I am quite decisive and I can get things done.
Reporters questioned whether he can win the elections scheduled for October 14 given that his party is trailing in polls and facing criticism for growing prices, poverty, and crime rates.
He answered, “Yes.
Less than three years after winning a reelection by a landslide, Ardern, a leading figure in progressive politics around the world, shocked New Zealand by announcing her premature resignation.
The 42-year-old, who oversaw the nation’s response to the greatest terrorist assault in its history as well as natural disasters, the Covid outbreak, and other crises, claimed she no longer had “enough in the tank.”
Ardern claimed that although her resignation was “laced with sadness,” she had “slept comfortably for the first time in a long time” after making the announcement.
Political analysts have gathered to denounce the increasingly vile social media harassment of Ardern before to her departure.
With “intolerable vitriol”
Hipkins complimented Ardern, saying she was “the leader we needed at the moment that we needed it,” but he also acknowledged that she had faced “simply terrible hatred.”
With more than 14 years in parliament, Ardern’s replacement is widely regarded as a capable leader.
Hipkins told the media that he was “energised and enthused” about the new position.
He stated, alluding to the Hutt Valley area close to Wellington, “It’s a big day for a lad from the Hutt.”
Hipkins continued, “My parents came from quite modest beginnings and worked very hard to establish a wonderful life for my brother and I. I promise to provide New Zealanders the opportunities to better their lives.
The newly elected prime minister claimed to have already spoken with Anthony Albanese, the leader of Australia.
He said he did plan to keep Finance Minister Grant Robertson in place but declined to provide any additional policy or ministerial proposals.
He was exhorted by the conservative ACT Party to “deliver on substance instead than dusting New Zealand with spin.”
According to the Green Party, it was excited to collaborate with him to “eliminate poverty, take aggressive climate action, and safeguard our natural biodiversity.”
Hipkins’ appointment put an end to rumors that Justice Minister Kiri Allan, a senior Maori MP for Labour, would succeed Malcolm Turnbull as the nation’s first Maori prime minister.
Hipkins was lauded by Allan for his decisiveness and her belief that he would be “an exceptionally strong prime minister.”
In a nation that closed its borders to prevent the coronavirus out, finally fully reopening in August of last year, Hipkins garnered praise for his nearly two-year service as the Covid response minister.
With the border closures being “difficult going,” he acknowledged last year that people were tired of the onerous pandemic restrictions.
Hipkins told reporters on Saturday that he enjoys DIY projects, gardening, cycling, and being outside, but he also admitted that “maybe I don’t have the best fashion sense in parliament.”
I think it was about time we had a ginger at the top, he remarked when asked if becoming the first red-haired prime minister would be a historic occasion.
