Chris Hipkins has been named successor to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The vote was largely a formality. The current Minister of Education, Police and Public Services was the only candidate.
The 44-year-old Hipkins is known as a skilled driver. He is praised, among other things, for the way in which he tackled the corona virus. He also proved to be of great value to Ardern as a problem solver.
According to Hipkins, the recovery of the economy after the corona crisis is one of the most important tasks of the moment. In addition, he promises to tackle the increasing crime.
In 2017, at the age of 37, Ardern became one of the world’s youngest female heads of government. She unexpectedly announced last week that she would resign from her position on February 7. She said she didn’t have enough energy for it anymore. On October 14, New Zealanders will elect a new parliament.
