Misplaced Pages

Latest revision as of 07:26, 9 January 2025

The Right HonourableChris HipkinsMP
Hipkins in 2022
41st Leader of the Opposition
Incumbent
Assumed office 27 November 2023
Prime Minister	Christopher Luxon
Deputy	Carmel Sepuloni
Preceded by	Christopher Luxon
41st Prime Minister of New Zealand
In office 25 January 2023 – 27 November 2023
Monarch	Charles III
Governor-General	Cindy Kiro
Deputy	Carmel Sepuloni
Preceded by	Jacinda Ardern
Succeeded by	Christopher Luxon
18th Leader of the Labour Party
Incumbent
Assumed office 22 January 2023
Deputy	Kelvin Davis Carmel Sepuloni
Preceded by	Jacinda Ardern
4th Minister for National Security and Intelligence
In office 25 January 2023 – 27 November 2023
Prime Minister	Himself
Preceded by	Jacinda Ardern
Succeeded by	Christopher Luxon
Minister Responsible for Ministerial Services
In office 25 January 2023 – 27 November 2023
Preceded by	Jacinda Ardern
Succeeded by	Christopher Luxon
Ministerial offices 2017–⁠2023 41st Minister of Police In office 14 June 2022 – 25 January 2023 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Preceded by Poto Williams Succeeded by Stuart Nash 1st Minister for COVID-19 Response In office 6 November 2020 – 14 June 2022 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Preceded by Position established Succeeded by Ayesha Verrall 41st Minister of Health In office 2 July 2020 – 6 November 2020 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Preceded by David Clark Succeeded by Andrew Little 47th Minister of Education In office 26 October 2017 – 25 January 2023 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Preceded by Nikki Kaye Succeeded by Jan Tinetti 19th Minister for the Public Service In office 26 October 2017 – 25 January 2023 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Preceded by Paula Bennett Succeeded by Andrew Little 11th Leader of the House In office 26 October 2017 – 25 January 2023 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Preceded by Simon Bridges Succeeded by Grant Robertson
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Remutaka Rimutaka (2008–2020)
Incumbent
Assumed office 8 November 2008
Preceded by	Paul Swain
Majority	8,859
Personal details
Born	Christopher John Hipkins (1978-09-05) 5 September 1978 (age 46) Hutt Valley, New Zealand
Political party	Labour
Spouse	Jade Hipkins ​ ​(m. 2020; sep. 2022)​
Domestic partner	Toni Grace
Children	2
Residence(s)	Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand
Alma mater	Victoria University of Wellington (BA)
Nickname	Chippy

This article is part of a series aboutChris Hipkins
MP for Remutaka Electoral history Ministerial career Senior Whip of the Labour Party Leader of the House Minister of Health Minister of Police Minister for the Public Service Minister of Education Minister for the COVID-19 response Leader of the Labour Party 2023 leadership election Prime Minister Sixth Labour Government Second term International prime ministerial trips Response to COVID-19 pandemic 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods Cyclone Gabrielle Leader of the Opposition Shadow Cabinet General elections 2023
v t e

Christopher John Hipkins (born 5 September 1978) is a New Zealand politician who has been serving as leader of the New Zealand Labour Party since January 2023 and leader of the Opposition since November 2023. He was the 41st prime minister of New Zealand from January to November 2023, previously serving as the minister for the public service and minister for education from 2017 to 2023, and the minister for health and the COVID-19 response from 2020 to 2022. He has been the member of Parliament (MP) for Remutaka since the 2008 general election.

Hipkins was born and raised in the Hutt Valley in Wellington, and while at Victoria University of Wellington became heavily involved in student politics. He was elected president of VUWSA twice, in 2000 and 2001. Hipkins won the pre-selection for the typically safe Labour seat of Remutaka in the Hutt Valley in 2008, but due to the return of the National Party to governance won it by a thin margin. After Jacinda Ardern led Labour to victory in the 2017 general election, Hipkins assumed multiple portfolios within the Sixth Labour Government, serving variously as minister of education, police, the public service, and leader of the House. For his perceived competence within multiple roles and responsibilities, Hipkins became regarded as Labour's "fixer".

As minister of health, Hipkins was responsible for the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. The elimination policy became the primary focus of the 2020 election, helping Labour win in a landslide. After the victory, Hipkins took on more responsibility, serving as minister for COVID-19 response from November 2020 to June 2022. On 21 January 2023, Hipkins became the sole candidate to succeed Ardern as leader of the Labour Party after she announced her resignation. He became party leader after being elected unopposed on 22 January 2023, and was consequently appointed prime minister by the governor-general on 25 January 2023. His premiership was faced almost immediately with the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods, and then by further flooding from Cyclone Gabrielle. He led his party into the 2023 general election, with Labour losing to National. Subsequently, he became Opposition leader on 27 November 2023.

Early life

Christopher John Hipkins was born in the Hutt Valley on 5 September 1978, the son of Doug and Rosemary Hipkins. His mother is the chief researcher for the New Zealand Council for Educational Research.

Hipkins attended Waterloo Primary School in Lower Hutt and Hutt Intermediate School. He was head boy at Hutt Valley Memorial College (later known as Petone College) in 1996. He later studied at the Victoria University of Wellington, where he was student president in 2000 and 2001.

In September 1997, as a first-year student at Victoria University, Hipkins was one of dozens arrested while protesting against the Tertiary Review Green Bill at Parliament. The matter went through the courts, and 10 years later an apology and award of over $200,000 was shared among the 41 protesters. The judge ruled that despite claims by police that the protestors were violent, the protest was peaceful and there were no grounds for arrest.

Hipkins received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in political science and criminology from Victoria University of Wellington. He then worked as a policy advisor for the Industry Training Federation and as a training manager for Todd Energy in Taranaki. Hipkins also worked in Parliament as an advisor to Trevor Mallard and Helen Clark.

In Opposition, 2008–2017

Standing as a parliamentary candidate (2008)

Hipkins was selected to stand in the Labour-held seat of Rimutaka (renamed Remutaka in 2020 following a 2016 Treaty of Waitangi settlement) in the 2008 general election, following the retirement of the sitting MP Paul Swain. He contested the Labour selection over trade unionist Paul Chalmers, who had Swain's support. His selection was part of Prime Minister Helen Clark's intention to rejuvenate the party with 29-year-old Hipkins winning against the 54-year-old Chalmers. In his first election, Hipkins won the seat with a modest majority of 753.

First term (2008–2011)

For the first nine years of Hipkins' parliamentary career, Labour formed the Official Opposition. Hipkins' maiden speech set out his interest in education policy. In his first term, Hipkins was the Labour spokesperson for internal affairs and a member of parliamentary committees for government administration, local government and environment, and transport and infrastructure.

In May 2010, his Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill was drawn from the member's ballot. The bill would have reinstated a ban on the thermal generation of electricity which had been imposed by the previous Labour Government in September 2008 before being repealed by the incoming National Government in December 2008, but was defeated at its first reading in June.

Second term (2011–2014)

During the 2011 general election, Hipkins retained the Rimutaka electorate by an increased margin of 3,286 votes.

In Hipkins' second term, he was promoted into Labour's shadow Cabinet as spokesperson for state services and education under new leader, David Shearer. He also became the Labour Party's chief whip for the first time. As education spokesperson, Hipkins was outspoken in his opposition to the National Government's implementation of charter schools in New Zealand and closure of schools in Christchurch following the destructive 2011 earthquake. Hipkins continued as education spokesperson under Shearer's successor, David Cunliffe.

In April 2013, Hipkins voted in favour of the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill, which legalised same-sex marriage in New Zealand.

Third term (2014–2017)

During the 2014 general election, Hipkins retained Rimutaka by a margin of 6,664 votes. In his third term, Hipkins continued as education spokesperson and additionally served as shadow leader of the House under leaders Andrew Little and Ardern.

In late 2015, Hipkins received veiled threats, including a death threat, for voicing his concerns about a billboard advertising "cut-price" guns.

In April 2016, his Education (Charter Schools Abolition) Amendment Bill was drawn from the members' ballot. It was defeated at its first reading in November.

In Government (2017–2023)

As a senior Labour MP, Hipkins was a key figure in the Sixth Labour Government. Between 2017 and 2023, he was the sixth-ranked Government minister from the Labour Party and he was assigned responsibilities as minister of education, minister for the public service and leader of the House. He was later looked upon as a "fixer," and was given additional responsibility as minister of health and minister for COVID-19 response during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, and later as minister of police during a spate of ram-raids.

Fourth term (2017–2020)

During the 2017 general election, Hipkins retained the Rimutaka electorate by a margin of 8,609 votes.

Hipkins was elected as a Cabinet minister by the Labour's formation of a coalition government with New Zealand First and the Greens. It was later announced that he would serve as minister for education.

As education minister, Hipkins has supported the abolition of National Standards and charter schools in New Zealand, which were supported by the previous National Government. He has also signaled a review of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) high school certificate system. However, Hipkins has clarified that the Ministry of Education would continue to fund the University of Otago's National Monitoring Study of Student Achievement and the Progress and Consistency Tool (PaCT). The Government's announcement that it would close charter schools drew criticism from the opposition National and ACT parties. In early 2018, Hipkins introduced legislation preventing the creation of new charter schools, while enabling existing charter schools to be converted into special character schools. By September 2018, all twelve charter schools had successfully transitioned to become state-integrated and special character schools.

In December 2018, Hipkins rejected a recommendation by the Council of Victoria University of Wellington to rename the university "University of Wellington", citing the strong opposition to the name change from staff, students, and alumni. Hipkins said that "he was not convinced the university had sufficiently engaged with stakeholders, who should have their views considered."

In February 2019, Hipkins proposed merging the country's 16 polytechnics into a New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology to counter deficits and declining domestic enrolments. This proposed Institute of Skills and Technology will also take over the country's vocational and apprenticeship programmes. While the Tertiary Education Union, Employers and Manufacturers Union, and the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce have expressed support for the Government's proposal, this has been criticised by the opposition National Party, Southern Institute of Technology CEO Penny Simmonds, and Mayor of Invercargill Tim Shadbolt. In response to the Christchurch mosque shootings, Hipkins extended the polytechnic submission timeframe to 5 April 2019.

In early May 2019, Hipkins announced that the Government would be investing NZ$95 million to train 2,400 new teacher trainees through increased scholarships and placements, new employment-based teacher education programmes, and iwi-based scholarships over the next four years to address the teaching shortage. These measures were criticised as inadequate by the Post Primary Teachers' Association and National Party education spokesperson Nikki Kaye.

On 1 August 2019, Hipkins reaffirmed the Government's plan to merge all polytechnics into a single entity in April 2020. In addition, he announced that the Government would replace all 11 industrial training organisations (ITOs) with between four and seven workforce development councils that would be set up by 2022 to influence vocational education and training. While polytechnics have been cautiously optimistic about the changes despite concerns about losing their autonomy, ITOs and National's tertiary education spokesperson Shane Reti have opposed these changes, claiming they would damage the vocational training system and cause job losses. By 2022, the merger began to strike difficulties including low enrolments, large deficits and resignations of senior staff.

Following the resignation of David Clark as minister of health on 2 July 2020, Prime Minister Ardern appointed Hipkins as interim health minister, serving until the October 2020 general election.

Fifth term (2020–2023)

Hipkins retained his seat, now known as Remutaka, during the 2020 general election, with a total of 20,497 votes.

In early November 2020, Hipkins retained his education portfolio. He was also designated as minister for COVID-19 response and minister for the Public Service. As Minister of COVID-19 response, Hipkins instituted the wearing of face masks on public transportation and domestic flights in November 2020, pre-departure test requirements for overseas travellers in January 2021, border restrictions for high risk countries in April 2021, and alert level restrictions following the August 2021 outbreak in Auckland. In addition, Hipkins oversaw the launch of the Government's "My Vaccine Pass" vaccine certificate in November 2021, the national vaccination rollout, and the passage of the COVID-19 Response (Vaccinations) Legislation Act 2021, which provided the legal framework for the Government's vaccine mandate.

On 22 August 2021, Hipkins made a comment that attracted controversy and humour when he misspoke during a press conference; encouraging New Zealanders to get tested for COVID-19, he inadvertently urged New Zealanders to socially distance when they go outside to "spread their legs". Commentators suggested that he meant to say, "stretch your legs."

In mid-January 2022, Hipkins, in his capacity as minister for COVID-19 response, postponed the next MIQ lottery due to a tenfold increase in imported Omicron cases entering New Zealand. The Government's decision was criticised by Grounded Kiwis member and Australian–based expatriate Maxine Strydom who stated that many New Zealand expatriates were facing emotional and metal stress due to travel restrictions, expiring visas and job losses. Meanwhile, health economist Professor Paula Lorgelly rationalised the postponement of the MIQ lottery as "a short-term pain for what I perceive to be quite a long-term gain."

On 31 January 2022, Hipkins, in his capacity as minister for COVID-19 response, issued a statement that the Government had offered stranded New Zealand journalist Charlotte Bellis a place under the emergency allocation criteria to travel to New Zealand within a period of 14 days. However, he also claimed that Bellis had indicated that she did not intend to travel until late February and that MIQ had advised her to consider moving her travel plans forward. He also confirmed that New Zealand consular assistance had earlier twice offered to help her return from Afghanistan in December 2021. Bellis was an Al Jazeera journalist who, after becoming pregnant, had left Qatar owing to the Gulf state's law criminalising unmarried pregnancies. Bellis had travelled to Afghanistan where she and her partner had visas allowing them to live there. Due to New Zealand's strict pandemic border policies, Bellis had struggled to secure a place in the Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) system.

Hipkins was criticised by Bellis' lawyer Tudor Clee for allegedly breaching her client's privacy by sharing personal details about her circumstances and indicated that she was considering "legal options." In response, Bellis stated that she did not give Hipkins consent to share her information and disputed the facts in his statement. MPs Chris Bishop and David Seymour, from National and ACT respectively, also criticised Hipkins' actions, stating that they were "unbecoming" of a minister of the Crown. On 22 June 2022, Hipkins publicly apologised for releasing personal information without Bellis' consent and making inaccurate comments about Bellis travelling to Afghanistan and being offered consular assistance. As a result, Bellis and her partner Jim Huylebroek received online abuse. Hipkins had earlier privately apologised to Bellis in mid-March 2022.

Throughout 2022, Hipkins, as minister of COVID-19 response, oversaw the easing of several COVID-19 mitigation policies including the isolation requirements for positive cases and contacts, vaccination and vaccine pass requirements for school-age children, MIQ isolation hotels, the COVID-19 Protection Framework, and border isolation requirements. In early May 2022, Hipkins acknowledged that the New Zealand Government was spending NZ$10 million a month paying COVID-19 contact tracers despite phasing out contact tracing several months earlier. He stated that the contact tracers were supporting people with COVID-19 in the community. In response, ACT leader Seymour criticised the Government's decision to continuing funding contact tracing services as a waste of taxpayer money.

In a June 2022 reshuffle, Hipkins was shifted from his COVID-19 response portfolio and replaced Poto Williams as minister of police.

In September 2022, Hipkins apologised to former Finance Minister Bill English for suggesting that he had granted his brothers favourable government contracts. Hipkins had made those remarks during an exchange over the awarding of government contracts to Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta's husband Gannin Ormsby.

In mid-October 2022, Hipkins, acting on behalf of COVID-19 response minister Verrall, announced that the Government would scrap several of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020's provisions including lockdown and MIQ restrictions, border closures, vaccine passes and mandates. The Government however opted to retain the Act's provisions for seven-day isolation periods, mask use and border entry requirements until Parliament passed general pandemic legislation. Hipkins also announced that the Government had revoked the Epidemic Notice, signalling a shift from emergency management to long-term management of COVID-19. That same day, Hipkins confirmed that the Government would hold a Royal Commission of Inquiry into its COVID-19 responses.

Prime Minister (2023)

Premiership of Chris Hipkins 25 January 2023 – 27 November 2023
Monarch	Charles III
Cabinet	Sixth Labour Government of New Zealand
Party	New Zealand Labour Party
Appointed by	Cindy Kiro
← Jacinda ArdernChristopher Luxon →

Nomination and appointment

On 19 January 2023, Jacinda Ardern unexpectedly announced her resignation as leader of the Labour Party in a media conference, stating that she "no longer had enough in the tank" to do the job. She indicated that she would formally step down no later than 7 February 2023.

Hipkins was confirmed as the only nominee shortly after nominations closed at 9:00 a.m. on 21 January. Stuff reported that Kiritapu Allan, the East Coast MP and minister of justice who had been speculated by media as an alternative candidate, was one of the seven MPs who nominated him. Hipkins had previously demurred when asked about his leadership aspirations, stating that he would support whichever candidate the Labour Party could "reach a consensus" on. In a media standup outside Parliament at 1:00 p.m. on 21 January, Hipkins commented that he discovered he had emerged as that consensus candidate as "the door to the plane was closing", leaving him unable to respond to his messages for 40 minutes. The formal meeting to confirm Hipkins as leader was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on 22 January 2023.

Hipkins was sworn in as prime minister by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro on 25 January 2023. His deputy prime minister was Carmel Sepuloni, the first Pasifika to hold the position. Upon taking office, Hipkins addressed the cost of living, saying that New Zealanders will "absolutely see in the coming weeks and months the cost of living is right at the heart of our work program", and declared it his "absolute priority". He indicated that Labour would postpone some of its new projects until after the election to focus on the economy. Politically, he has been cited as a centrist.

Domestic affairs

On 26 January, Hipkins met several Auckland business leaders at a roundtable event hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber, led by former National MP Simon Bridges. During the meeting, Hipkins affirmed his Government's commitment to pursuing a constructive relationship with businesses, citing their importance to the New Zealand economy. Hipkins also confirmed that business representatives had given the Government feedback on several policy areas including skills shortages. Hipkins also stated that businesses supported the Government's apprenticeship boost, which created opportunities for them. Earlier, several small business owners including Kiwi Kai business owner Reni Gargiulo, Air Milford CEO Hank Sproull, Christchurch pharmacy owner Annabel Turley, Saint Andrews Dairy Dhaval Amin, and Grownup Donuts owner Daniel Black had called on Hipkins' Government to address various issues including staffing shortages, immigration work visa policies, youth crime, and inflation. In addition, Ashburton dairy farmer Nick Gier called on the Government to scrap the Three Waters reform programme and carbon emissions taxes on the agricultural sector.

Hipkins was faced almost immediately with the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods. The flash flooding began on 27 January 2023, and saw an entire summer's worth of rain fall within just a day. On 28 January, Hipkins and Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty visited Auckland to liaise with emergency services, reassure affected constituents, and assess the damage. Hipkins subsequently attended a press conference in West Auckland with MacAnulty, Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown, and Minister of Transport Michael Wood.

After Hipkins' ascension to the role of prime minister and his response to the recent floods, opinion polls saw his personal popularity and that of the Labour Party surge: a 1News–Kantar poll had Labour up 5 percentage points to 38, with National dropping one percentage point to 37; Hipkins also had a net approval of 36 points, with National Leader Christopher Luxon trailing on 9 points. Another poll conducted by Newshub–Reid Research had Labour up 5.7 points to 38, ahead of National, which fell 4.1 points, dropping to 36.6.

In February 2023, Hipkins announced that several policies including the proposed TVNZ-RNZ merger and that a biofuel mandate requiring petrol and diesel to contain a certain percentage of biofuel from renewable resources would be scrapped. In addition, Hipkins confirmed that other policies including the social income insurance scheme, proposed hate speech legislation, and the Three Waters reform programme would be delayed or revised. In the end the hate speech legislation was deleyed and not talked about until in March 2024 when the policy was ordered to be scrapped by the newly in power NZ National Party. While the Three Waters Reform programme was eventually passed and promised to be reformed in 2021 by the NZ Labour Party. Hipkins also confirmed that the minimum wage would be raised from NZ$21.20 to NZ$22.70 an hour from 1 April 2023. In response to the recent North Island floods, Hipkins confirmed that the Government would invest NZ$3 million in discretionary flood recovery payments, NZ$1 million in supporting flood-affected businesses, and an additional NZ$1 million in mental health support.

On 13 March, Hipkins announced that the Government would scrap several policies and reform programmes including legislation to lower the voting age to 16 years, the speed reduction programme except for the most dangerous 1% of highways, and the NZ$586 million Clean Car Upgrade programme. In addition, the Government announced that it would delay or revise several policies and programmes including proposed alcohol reforms, the container return scheme, public transportation including the Auckland Light Rail, and public consultation on a new test to determine the difference between contractors and employees. The Government would redirect funding to a NZ$2 billion to a welfare package to provide "bread and butter" support to 1.4 million New Zealanders affected by the ongoing "cost of living" crisis. While the Green and Māori parties criticised the Government for backtracking on climate action policies, the National and ACT parties welcomed the scrapping of "wasteful" Government policies but questioned the Government's commitment to change.

On 11 April 2023, Hipkins and Health Minister Verrall announced that the New Zealand Government would retain the few remaining COVID-19 restrictions including the seven-day mandatory isolation period for positive cases and mask wearing requirements at hospitals for at least two months.

The 2023 New Zealand Budget, presented on 18 May 2023, was regarded as cementing Hipkins' dedication to a "no-frills" welfare programme to combat cost of living. The budget included many sweeping initiatives to support lower-middle class New Zealanders, including $618.6 million to scrap NZ$5 prescription fees, $1.2 billion to extend 20 free early childhood education hours to include two year olds, $327 million on free public transport for under-13 year olds, and permanent half-price fees for under-25 year olds, and $402 million on expanding the Warmer Kiwi Homes plan. The latter will subsidise heating, insulation, hot water heat pumps, and LED lamps. The budget will also allocate NZ$1.9b from the Climate Emergency Response Fund on emissions reductions and adaptation measures. The budget also included a "huge funding boost" for Te Matatini, putting it on par with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra for the first time in over 50 years.

Foreign affairs

On 7 February, Hipkins undertook his first state visit to the Australian capital, Canberra, where he met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. While the two leaders reaffirmed Australian–New Zealand bilateral relations, they also discussed the controversial Section 501 deportation policy. During the visit, Albanese confirmed that his government would revise the deportation policy to take into account individuals' connections to Australia and the length of time they had lived in the country. During the visit, the two leaders exchanged gifts, with Hipkins gifting Albanese a greenstone pounamu in the shape of a hook and Albanese gifting a selection of Australian records.

In early May 2023, Hipkins confirmed that he would attend the coronation of King Charles III on 6 May. He also extended an invitation to Leader of the Opposition Christopher Luxon. Hipkins confirmed that he would meet with Charles III, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Minister of State for the Armed Forces James Heappey, and New Zealand soldiers stationed in the UK training Ukrainian forces. Prior to his departure for the UK, Hipkins also called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reiterate New Zealand's support for Ukraine.

On 22 May 2023, Hipkins visited Papua New Guinea where he met with several regional and international leaders including Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hipkins' visit coincided with the signing of two bilateral defence and maritime agreements between the United States and Papua New Guinea. Hipkins voiced support for the strengthening of Papua New Guinea–United States relations and stated that the United States and New Zealand would work together on combating climate change and the "militarisation" of the South Pacific. He also stated that the United States acknowledged New Zealand's nuclear-free stance. On 23 May, Hipkins accepted an offer from Modi to visit India and discuss a proposed free trade agreement between India and New Zealand.

On 19 June, Radio New Zealand reported that Hipkins would lead a large political and business delegation to China in late June 2023 to promote diplomatic and trade relations with China. Hipkins also confirmed that he would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during the state visit. Hipkins' delegation arrived in Beijing on 26 June where he was greeted by New Zealand Ambassador to China Grahame Morton and Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu. On 27 June, Hipkins met with Xi, with the two leaders emphasizing the importance of friendly bilateral relations. The two heads of government discussed China–New Zealand relations, China–United States relations, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pacific issues, and human rights. The opposition criticised Hipkins for flying with a second jetliner as backup to as far as the Philippines in case the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing 757 he rode were to experience mishap. According to the RNZAF, the precaution is not unusual. Delegations to other destinations in the past have become stranded after their plane broke down.

On 9 July, Hipkins and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen formally signed the New Zealand-European free trade agreement in Brussels. which awaits ratification by the European Parliament. While farmers and some political groups in the European Parliament are expected to oppose the free trade agreement, European Union Ambassador to New Zealand Nina Obermaier confirmed that the 27 European Union member states had consented to the agreement

On 8 October 2023, Hipkins unequivocally condemned Hamas' actions during the Israel–Hamas war. He said that the target of civilians and hostage taking violated fundamental international humanitarian principles. He also stated Israel had the right to defend itself. Hipkins' statement came after the Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta had issued a statement calling for the belligerents to halt violence, protect civilians, and uphold international humanitarian law. In response to criticism of Mahuta's remarks by ACT Party leader David Seymour, Hipkins denied that Mahuta was out of step with New Zealand foreign policy and stated that her remarks was a matter of timing. On 19 November 2023, Hipkins called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, saying "the violence and the killing has to stop".

2023 general election

Hipkins led the Labour Party into the 2023 general election. During the election campaign, Hipkins ruled out introducing a capital gains tax if Labour was re-elected to Government. In July 2023, Labour introduced sweeping welfare initiatives as part of that year's budget, including a $1 billion Cyclone Recovery plan, a large increase in childcare and parental leave, scrapping prescription co-payments, free public transport for under-13s (and half price for under-25s), and increasing the funding for Te Matatini tenfold.

The results of the general election, on 14 October, saw Labour lose its majority in Parliament; its share of seats dropped to 34, while its share of the party vote decreased to 26.91%. Hipkins conceded the election to National Party leader Christopher Luxon on election night. Hipkins retained his Remutaka electorate seat by a margin of 8,859 votes.

In Opposition (2023–present)

On 7 November, Labour's parliamentary caucus voted to retain Hipkins as party leader during a leadership vote held in Upper Hutt. The party's constitution requires MPs to vote on the leadership within three months after an election, with leaders needing at least 60 percent plus one of the caucus. On 10 November, Hipkins and Luxon agreed to advise Governor-General Cindy Kiro to prolong the caretaker government arrangement due to lengthy coalition talks between National, ACT and New Zealand First. Hipkins continued to serve as caretaker prime minister until the formation of the National-led government. He stepped down and Luxon succeeded him on 27 November.

In addition to serving as leader of the Opposition, Hipkins also serves as spokesperson for ministerial services and national intelligence and security in the Labour shadow cabinet.

In September 2024, the Taxpayer Union-Curia Poll found that Hipkins' had fallen by 6.1 points to 12.6% in the Preferred Prime Minister Poll while the Labour Party ranked 26.7%. In response to the poll, several senior Labour MPs including Kieran McAnulty, David Parker, Jan Tinetti and Willie Jackson expressed support for Hipkins' leadership of the party. In mid September 2024, Hipkins attended a British Labour Party conference and met with members of the Starmer ministry. In mid-September, a Talbot Mills survey conducted between 1 and 10 September found that Hipkins ranked 22% in the Preferred Prime Minister Poll. In mid-October 2024, a 1News–Verian poll found that 54% of respondents thought that Hipkins should remain as leader of the Labour Party while 26% thought he should step down. The poll surveyed 1,000 eligible voters.

Political views

Hipkins is typically regarded as a centrist politician, and an "arch-pragmatist". A student activist at university, he has labelled himself as increasingly moderate due to deepening political polarisation. During his premiership he emphasised "bread and butter" issues, such as combatting the increased cost of living. Some observers see this as a push to retain or regain the support of the centrist swing voters who abandoned National in swathes for Labour in 2020.

Hipkins is not a monarchist, but ahead of the coronation of Charles III he announced that he would not be pushing for New Zealand to become a republic during his premiership. During a press conference, Hipkins stated: "Ideally, I think in time, New Zealand will become a fully independent country ... I don't think that swapping out the governor-general for some other form of head of state is necessarily an urgent priority right now, though."

In June 2024, Hipkins indicated that he was opened to amending legislation to change how MPs could claim housing allowances for their Wellington accommodation following media reports that several MPs were claiming housing allowances despite owning property in Wellington.

Public image

Hipkins is nicknamed "Chippy", a diminutive name derived from his initials, but reflective of his "upbeat, slightly schoolboyish demeanour". He is known for his enjoyment of sausage rolls and Coke Zero. His love for sausage rolls has promoted discussion, with some political commentators claiming it embodies the sharp departure from the soft power New Zealand enjoyed under Ardern ("Jacindamania"). Hipkins has embraced his public perception, and is generally known as humble, affable, and self-deprecating.

Personal life

Hipkins and his wife Jade were married in 2020 in a ceremony held at Premier House, Wellington, with Grant Robertson serving as best man. He has two children. He and his wife separated in 2022. When he took extended paternity leave for the birth of his second child in 2018, he was one of the first senior male cabinet ministers to do so. He remet former staffer Toni Grace and began a relationship with her. The relationship was publicly revealed during his election night concession speech in October 2023.

Both of Hipkins' children have Von Willebrand disease, a blood-clotting disorder. In mid-August 2023, he took leave from election campaigning to support his four-year old daughter.

References

1. McClure, Tess (24 September 2021). "'People are tired': Chris Hipkins, the New Zealand minister battling to eliminate Covid". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
2. Whyte, Anna (25 January 2023). "Chris Hipkins formally sworn in as new prime minister". Stuff. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
3. "Hipkins Named to Succeed Ardern as New Zealand Prime Minister". Bloomberg.com. 20 January 2023. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
4. ^ Manhire, Toby (21 January 2023). "'The guy just lives for DIY': What to expect from Prime Minister Chris Hipkins". The Spinoff. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
5. Whyte, Anna (20 January 2023). "Who is Chris Hipkins? The man set to be New Zealand's next prime minister". Stuff. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
6. "Ardern set to win in New Zealand's 'COVID election'". Japan Today. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
7. ^ Mathias, Shanti (21 January 2023). "The beginner's guide to Chris Hipkins, our next prime minister". The Spinoff. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
8. ^ McClure, Tess (22 January 2023). "New Zealand: Chris Hipkins taking over from Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
9. Frost, Natasha (27 January 2023). "Rain Batters New Zealand's Largest City, Causing Major Flooding". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 4 February 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
10. "Chris Hipkins: From Head Boy to Prime Minister". Radio New Zealand. 21 January 2023. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
11. ^ "Hon Chris Hipkins". New Zealand Government. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
12. Young, Audrey (1 September 2018). "Education Minister Chris Hipkins plans to take parental leave from Beehive for baby No. 2". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 23 November 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
13. ^ "Hipkins, Chris: maiden statements". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 651: 74. 16 December 2008. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
14. Alves, Vera (30 December 2021). "Covid 19 Omicron: Minister Chris Hipkins' mum warns media he will be late". New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 2 January 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
15. Boyack, Nicholas (21 March 2023). "Chris Hipkins tours his electorate, showing his love of a cheese and steak pie". Stuff. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
16. ^ Bhonsule, Priyanka (4 August 2009). "Parliament to say sorry to protestors". Stuff. Archived from the original on 10 February 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
17. "Hon Chris Hipkins". The Beehive. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
18. "Chris Hipkins – Profile". 12 December 2007. Archived from the original on 21 May 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
19. "Report of the Representation Commission 2020" (PDF). 17 April 2020.
20. Young, Audrey (10 December 2007). "Youth beats experience to safe Labour seat". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
21. "Official Count Results – Rimutaka". ElectionsNZ. 22 November 2008. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
22. ^ "Hipkins, Chris". www.parliament.nz. New Zealand Parliament. Former Roles. Archived from the original on 28 October 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
23. ^ "Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill". New Zealand Parliament. Archived from the original on 27 May 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
24. "Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill 150-1 (2010), Members Bill – New Zealand Legislation". www.legislation.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
25. Commission, New Zealand Electoral. "Official Count Results – Rimutaka". www.electionresults.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
26. Hipkins, Chris (14 October 2015). Education (Charter Schools Curriculum) Amendment Bill Archived 21 January 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). Volume:709; Page:7224. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
27. "Schools plan to rally against closures". The New Zealand Herald. 18 February 2013. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
28. "Gay marriage: How MPs voted – New Zealand News". New Zealand Herald. 17 April 2023. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
29. "Election Results – Rimutaka". Electoral Commission. Archived from the original on 13 January 2015. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
30. Crayton-Brown, Blake (3 December 2015). "MP Chris Hipkins defiant over Gun City billboard in Taita, despite death threat". The Dominion Post. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
31. "Education (Charter Schools Abolition) Amendment Bill". New Zealand Parliament. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
32. ^ Manch, Thomas (2 July 2020). "Education Minister Chris Hipkins shunted into health job as David Clark resigns". Stuff. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
33. ^ "Ministerial List for Announcement on Monday" (PDF). Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 2 November 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 November 2020. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
34. ^ Manch, Thomas (13 June 2022). "Labour's new Cabinet – who's in, who's out, as Trevor Mallard and Kris Faafoi resign". Stuff. Archived from the original on 15 June 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
35. "Rimutaka – Official Result". Electoral Commission. 3 November 2023. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
36. "Who's in? Who's out?". Radio NZ. 20 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 July 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
37. "Jacinda Ardern releases Cabinet lineup". Stuff. 24 October 2017. Archived from the original on 25 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
38. Collins, Simon (30 October 2017). "Labour's education plans revealed: Primary school league tables axed, big NCEA shakeup". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
39. Moir, Jo (6 November 2017). "Education minister to review all charter schools after threatening some with closure". Stuff. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
40. "Charter schools: Minister has a fight on his hands". Radio New Zealand. 12 February 2018. Archived from the original on 13 August 2018. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
41. Bracewell-Worrall, Anna (17 September 2018). "All NZ charter schools now approved to become state integrated". Newshub. Archived from the original on 7 December 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
42. Collins, Simon (28 August 2018). "Charter school hold-outs approved as state schools". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 4 January 2019. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
43. Long, Jessica; Williams, Katarina (19 December 2018). "Victoria University of Wellington name change rejected by Minister". Stuff. Archived from the original on 5 March 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
44. "Victoria University of Wellington name change declined by education minister". Radio New Zealand. 18 December 2018. Archived from the original on 31 January 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
45. Collins, Simon (13 February 2019). "Polytechnic mega-merger will take over apprentices and industry trainees". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 15 February 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2019.
46. Hunt, Tom; Richmond, Adele (14 February 2019). "Government proposes merging 16 polytechnics and technology institutes into single entity". Stuff. Archived from the original on 15 February 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2019.
47. Stolley, Giordano (2 March 2019). "Hostile southern reception for Hipkins". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 21 March 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
48. Savory, Logan (1 March 2019). "Education Minister Chris Hipkins grilled by concerned Southern Institute of Technology backers". Stuff. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
49. "Education Minister Chris Hipkins extends polytechnic submission timeframe". Stuff. 20 March 2019. Archived from the original on 15 February 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
50. Kirk, Stacey; Cooke, Henry (2 May 2019). "Budget 2019: Government pours $95 million over four years into teaching resources". Stuff. Archived from the original on 3 May 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
51. Cheng, Derek (2 May 2019). "$95 million in Budget package for thousands of new teachers". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 3 May 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
52. Small, Zane (2 May 2019). "Budget 2019: Government sets aside $95 million to hire more teachers". Newshub. Archived from the original on 3 May 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
53. "Government confirms polytechnics will merge as single entity in 2020". 1 August 2019. Archived from the original on 1 September 2020. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
54. Gerritsen, John (1 August 2019). "Government confirms major overhaul of polytechnics, apprenticeships". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 1 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
55. Small, Zane; Macdonald, Laura (1 August 2019). "Government confirms polytechnics will merge as single entity in 2020". Newshub. Archived from the original on 1 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
56. Devlin, Collette (1 August 2019). "16 institutes of technology and polytechnics being replaced by one mega polytech". Stuff. Archived from the original on 1 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
57. Ward, Stephen (27 July 2022). "Minister rules out Te Pukenga commissioner 'at his time'". Stuff. Archived from the original on 21 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
58. Molyneux, Vita (2 July 2020). "Why Jacinda Ardern chose Chris Hipkins as temporary Health Minister". Newshub. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
59. "Remutaka – Official Result". Electoral Commission. Archived from the original on 17 October 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
60. Deguara, Brittney (16 November 2020). "Covid-19: Who needs to wear a face mask on public transport? The new rules, explained". Stuff. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
61. "Covid-19: Pre-departure test extended to all passengers from next week". Stuff. 19 January 2021. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
62. "New 'very high risk' category for countries with high Covid-19 numbers". Radio New Zealand. 23 April 2021. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
63. Yeoman, Scott (7 October 2021). "Level 3 zone in Waikato extended as five new community cases of Covid-19 confirmed". Stuff. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
64. "Northern part of Northland to move to alert level 3 – Hipkins". Radio New Zealand. 2 November 2021. Archived from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
65. "Official Covid-19 vaccine certificate to go live". Radio New Zealand. 16 November 2021. Archived from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
66. "Covid-19 Omicron: Chris Hipkins reveals decision on borders, boosters amid Omicron threat". The New Zealand Herald. 21 December 2021. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
67. "Mandate legislation pushed through Parliament amid fierce opposition". Radio New Zealand. 24 November 2021. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
68. Corlett, Eva (23 August 2021). "'Spread your legs': New Zealand makes hay with Covid minister's gaffe". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 4 February 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
69. "Hipkins' slip of the tongue gives Kiwis 'something to laugh about'". 1News. 22 August 2021. Archived from the original on 17 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
70. Kuiper, Koenraad (30 August 2021). "Covid-19: Let's cut Chris Hipkins slack for 'spread their legs' gaffe". Stuff. Archived from the original on 17 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
71. "Government postpones next MIQ lottery due to spike of Omicron cases at the border". Radio New Zealand. 18 January 2022. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
72. ^ McClure, Tess (19 January 2022). "New Zealand closes borders to new arrivals over 'unprecedented' Omicron risk". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
73. Corlett, Eva (31 January 2022). "New Zealand defends strict Covid quarantine after pregnant journalist 'had to turn to Taliban' for help". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
74. Neilson, Michael (1 February 2022). "Covid 19 Omicron: Pregnant Kiwi journalist Charlotte Bellis considering legal options after Chris Hipkins' alleged privacy breach". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
75. Neilson, Michael (22 June 2022). "Covid 19 Omicron: Chris Hipkins formally apologises over Charlotte Bellis emergency MIQ saga". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
76. "Isolation length to be shortened for Covid cases and contacts". 1News. 9 March 2022. Archived from the original on 9 March 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
77. Witton, Bridie (25 February 2022). "Covid-19: Unvaccinated children can take part in sport and school-based activities under phase 3". Stuff. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
78. McDonald, Kelvin (10 March 2022). "MIQ closure: Only four hotels left by end of June". Te Ao Maori News. Maori Television. Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
79. "Covid-19 Omicron outbreak: Orange for Easter! NZ to move to new traffic light setting from midnight; 9495 new community cases". New Zealand Herald. 13 April 2022. Archived from the original on 13 April 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
80. "MIQ exemption extended to more unvaccinated, including Australians". Radio New Zealand. 3 May 2022. Archived from the original on 3 May 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
81. "Govt still spending $10m a month on contact tracers". 1News. TVNZ. 3 May 2022. Archived from the original on 3 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
82. Manch, Thomas (22 September 2022). "Chris Hipkins apologises to Bill English for dragging family into debate". Stuff. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
83. "Chris Hipkins: From Head Boy to Prime Minister". Radio New Zealand. 21 January 2023. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
84. Daalder, Marc (18 October 2022). "Lockdowns scrapped, but seven-day isolation to stay as Ardern seeks balanced response". Newsroom. Archived from the original on 17 October 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
85. "Covid-19 response: Vaccine mandates, MIQ and lockdowns set to be scrapped". Radio New Zealand. 18 October 2022. Archived from the original on 18 October 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
86. Palmer, Russell (18 October 2022). "Government signals Covid-19 inquiry in the works". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 18 October 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
87. McClure, Tess (19 January 2023). "Jacinda Ardern resigns as prime minister of New Zealand". The Guardian. Auckland. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
88. ^ "Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces resignation". beehive.govt.nz (Press release). New Zealand Government. 19 January 2023. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
89. Whyte, Luke Malpass and Anna (20 January 2023). "Chris Hipkins set to become New Zealand's next prime minister". Stuff. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
90. "Live: Chris Hipkins set to be PM after being sole nomination for Labour leader". Stuff. 21 January 2023. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023. A detail from the behind the scenes machinations here: Kiri Allan was among the seven MPs who nominated Chris Hipkins as a candidate for the party's leader position.
91. "Jacinda Ardern resignation: Chris Hipkins tells Newshub 'consensus' about new Labour leader would be 'far better for NZ'". Newshub. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
92. "Chris Hipkins on flight when he received leadership backing". 1 News. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
93. Neilson, Michael; Pearse, Adam; Coughlan, Thomas (25 January 2023). "Chris Hipkins sworn in as Prime Minister, Carmel Sepuloni as deputy, Jacinda Ardern vacates top job". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
94. "Chris Hipkins says cost of living is 'absolute priority' as he becomes New Zealand prime minister". The Guardian. 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
95. Malpass, Luke (30 March 2023). "Chris Hipkins' delicate balancing acts over Stuart Nash scandal, and the 'white cis men'". Stuff. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
96. "Prime Minister Chris Hipkins meets Auckland business leaders as Government charm offensive begins". The New Zealand Herald. 26 January 2023. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
97. Gibbens, Krystal; Crimp, Lauren (26 January 2023). "Small businesses offer Chris Hipkins advice: 'Take some of the pain off'". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
98. Frost, Natasha (27 January 2023). "Rain Batters New Zealand's Largest City, Causing Major Flooding". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
99. "New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins speaks on catastrophic floods in Auckland". Sky News. 28 January 2023. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
100. "Live updates on Auckland flooding: PM Hipkins on way to assess damage". Radio New Zealand. 28 January 2023. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
101. Niall, Todd (28 January 2023). "Analysis: Wayne Brown appears to have missed what a mayor's job is in a crisis". Stuff. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
102. "The polls are in and Chris Hipkins' and Labour's popularity is..." The New Zealand Herald. NZME. 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
103. ^ "First poll results with Chris Hipkins as PM revealed". 1News. TVNZ. 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
104. "National loses ground to Hipkins' Labour in two new polls". Radio New Zealand. 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
105. Lynch, Jenna (30 January 2023). "Newshub-Reid Research Poll: Chris Hipkins is Labour's saviour but hung Parliament on cards for election 2023". Newshub. Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
106. "National will oppose Labour's attack on free speech". New Zealand National Party. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
107. "Guaranteeing safe and affordable water for all New Zealanders". NZ Labour Party. 27 October 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
108. "Watch: TVNZ/RNZ merger scrapped, income insurance and hate speech laws delayed". Radio New Zealand. 8 February 2023. Archived from the original on 8 February 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
109. Trafford, Will (8 February 2023). "Minimum wage increased to tackle cost of living crisis". Te Ao Maori News. Maori Television. Archived from the original on 8 February 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
110. Hu, Justin (8 February 2023). "TVNZ-RNZ merger fully scrapped amid election year refocus". 1News. TVNZ. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
111. Pearse, Adam (13 March 2023). "PM Chris Hipkins' policy bonfire turns to transport, speed limit changes". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
112. "PM's policy bonfire: Voting age bill, transport schemes 'reprioritsed'". 1News. TVNZ. 13 March 2023. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
113. Pearse, Adam (14 March 2023). "Prime Minister Chris Hipkins draws ire of Greens with latest policy bonfire, accused of kicking climate action can down the road". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
114. Whyte, Anna (14 March 2023). "James Shaw failed dismally over policy purge and 'should stand down', say Te Pāti Māor". Stuff. Archived from the original on 14 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
115. "Covid-19 restrictions: Cabinet to keep self-isolating mandatory for at least two months". Radio New Zealand. 11 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
116. "Live: Budget 2023 – 'No frills' spending plan revealed". RNZ. 18 May 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
117. ^ "Budget 2023 at a glance: What you need to know". Radio New Zealand. 18 May 2023. Archived from the original on 23 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
118. "Huge funding boost has Te Matatini organisers 'jumping up and down'". RNZ. 19 May 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
119. Hemi, Tema (7 February 2023). "Hipkins, Albanese discuss 501s in first meeting in Canberra". Te Ao Māori News. Māori Television. Archived from the original on 8 February 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
120. hevesi, Bryant (7 February 2023). "Anthony Albanese meets with Chris Hipkins in Canberra: Australia, New Zealand PMs discuss citizenship issues and deportations". Sky News Australia. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
121. Hevesi, Bryant (7 February 2023). "Chris Hipkins gifted a selection of Australian music by Anthony Albanese as New Zealand Prime Minister holds talks in Canberra". Sky News Australia. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
122. ^ McConnell, Glenn (1 May 2023). "Why PM Chris Hipkins is taking Christopher Luxon to the King's coronation". Stuff. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
123. "Prime Minister Chris Hipkins speaks to Mike Hosking after US-Pacific Summit". The New Zealand Herald. NZME. 23 May 2023. Archived from the original on 24 May 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
124. ^ Perry, Nick (22 May 2023). "US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China". Stuff. Archived from the original on 24 May 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
125. ^ "Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to take up offer to visit India and talk free trade". Radio New Zealand. 23 May 2023. Archived from the original on 24 May 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
126. Sadler, Rachel (22 May 2023). "New Zealand's nuclear-free stance brought up with United States, Papua New Guinea as duo signs new security pact". Newshub. Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand. Archived from the original on 24 May 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
127. "Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to meet with China's President Xi Jinping". Radio New Zealand. 19 June 2023. Archived from the original on 19 June 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
128. Coughlan, Thomas (26 June 2023). "Prime Minister Chris Hipkins fronts media after touching down in Beijing for make-or-break China trip". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
129. Coughlan, Thomas (27 June 2023). "Chinese President Xi Jinping hails relationship with NZ at meeting with PM Chris Hipkins". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
130. "New Zealand PM sparks row after flying to China with backup plane". The Guardian. 26 June 2023.
131. Patterson, Jane (10 July 2023). "New Zealand signs free trade deal with European Union after years of negotiations". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 9 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
132. "New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins condemns Hamas attack on Israel". The New Zealand Herald. Associated Press. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
133. Hewett, Wiliam (8 October 2023). "Nanaia Mahuta calls for 'immediate cessation of violence' as hundreds killed in Israel-Hamas conflict". Newshub. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
134. "Labour leader Chris Hipkins calls for a ceasefire in Israel Gaza conflict". RNZ. 19 November 2023.
135. ^ "Election 2023: Labour's Chris Hipkins concedes, congratulates National on results". Radio New Zealand. 14 October 2023. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
136. "Hipkins rules out capital gains tax, wealth tax if Labour re-elected". Radio New Zealand. 12 July 2023. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
137. "Budget 2023 at a glance: What you need to know". RNZ. 18 May 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
138. "Huge funding boost has Te Matatini organisers 'jumping up and down'". RNZ. 19 May 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
139. "Official results for the 2023 General Election". Electoral Commission. 3 November 2023. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
140. "Remutaka – Official Result". Electoral Commission. Archived from the original on 10 December 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
141. "Labour votes to keep Chris Hipkins as leader, Carmel Sepuloni takes over as deputy". Radio New Zealand. 7 November 2023. Archived from the original on 7 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
142. ^ Wikaere-Lewis, Mana (10 November 2023). "Chris Hipkins to be sworn in again as PM until coalition talks finalise". Te Ao Māori News. Māori Television. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
143. Perry, Nick (27 November 2023). "Christopher Luxon sworn in as New Zealand prime minister, says priority is to improve economy". Associated Press. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
144. "Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins reveals new shadow Cabinet". Radio New Zealand. 30 November 2023. Archived from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
145. Ensor, Jamie (17 September 2024). "Chris Hipkins poll results: Labour leader says he has 'full support' of caucus". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 19 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
146. Ensor, Jamie (19 September 2024). "New poll results show closer fight between Chris Hipkins, Christopher Luxon for preferred Prime Minister". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 23 September 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
147. "Poll: 54% of voters think Hipkins should stay as Labour leader". 1News. 15 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
148. "Bryce Edwards: PM Chris Hipkins resets Labour to the right". The New Zealand Herald. 4 July 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
149. Malpass, Luke (13 March 2023). "Arch-pragmatist Chris Hipkins is dragging Labour back to the centre – and the left into election contention". Stuff. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
150. McClure, Tess (24 September 2021). "'People are tired': Chris Hipkins, the New Zealand minister battling to eliminate Covid". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
151. "Chris Hipkins' make or break, bread and butter Budget awaits". The New Zealand Herald. 4 July 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
152. "Chris Hipkins' strategy to win back centrist voters". NBR | The Authority since 1970. 15 March 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
153. "Election 2020: Labour launches an extremely centrist campaign". Stuff. 8 August 2020. Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
154. "Luxon the most politically inexperienced leader in National history". The Global Herald. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2023. See also "Luxon the most politically inexperienced leader in National history" One News. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2022 – via YouTube.
155. McClure, Tess (1 May 2023). "New Zealand will 'ideally' become a republic one day, says Chris Hipkins". The Guardian. Auckland. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
156. "Chris Hipkins open to looking at MP accommodation allowance". RNZ. 12 June 2024. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
157. McClure, Tess (21 January 2023). "Chris Hipkins profile: who is New Zealand's next prime minister after Jacinda Ardern?". The Guardian. Auckland. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
158. Vance, Andrea (21 January 2023). "Chris Hipkins thinks he can lead Labour to victory in the election – and friends say he can do it". Stuff. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
159. "From spreading legs to a savoury love – Who is Chris Hipkins?". 1 News. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
160. ^ Graham-McLay, Charlotte (23 June 2023). "Domestic squabbling and two men called Chris: what's next for New Zealand politics after Jacinda Ardern". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
161. "Jenna Lynch: From Meme Minister to Prime Minister – can Chris Hipkins do this?". Newshub. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
162. "Hipkins 'humbled and honoured' to take over role of PM". The New Zealand Herald. 24 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
163. "Chris Hipkins report card: What sort of a Prime Minister has he turned out to be?". The New Zealand Herald. 24 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
164. "Who is New Zealand's next prime minister Chris Hipkins?". euronews. 21 January 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
165. McClure, Tess (21 January 2023). "Chris Hipkins profile: who is New Zealand's next prime minister after Jacinda Ardern?". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
166. "Labour MP Chris Hipkins shares his beautiful wedding photos". Newshub. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
167. Neilson, Michael (21 January 2023). "Jacinda Ardern resigns: Who is Chris Hipkins, New Zealand's next Prime Minister?". New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
168. Jacobson, Julie (28 October 2023). "Chris Hipkins' new coalition partner". www.thepost.co.nz. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
169. Nightingale, Melissa (15 October 2023). "Who is Toni? Hipkins reveals new partner after crushing defeat". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
170. "PM Hipkins to work from hospital with sick child". Radio New Zealand. 23 August 2023. Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
171. Pearse, Adam (23 August 2023). "PM Chris Hipkins to miss engagements to care for 4yo daughter with blood condition". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 30 August 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.

External links

• Politics
• New Zealand

• Media from Commons
• News from Wikinews
• Data from Wikidata

• Profile on the New Zealand Parliament website
• Profile at New Zealand Labour Party
• MPs webpage
• Chris Hipkins on Twitter

v t e Chris Hipkins
Prime Minister of New Zealand (2023) • Leader of the Labour Party (2023–present) • Member of Parliament for Remutaka (2008–present)
Premiership	Sixth Labour Government Second term (2023) International trips COVID-19 pandemic 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods Cyclone Gabrielle
Electoral history	2023 leadership election
Other	Shadow Cabinet

v t e Premiers and prime ministers of New Zealand (list)
Sewell Fox Stafford Domett Whitaker Weld Waterhouse Vogel Pollen Atkinson Grey Hall Stout Ballance Seddon Hall-Jones Ward Mackenzie Massey Bell Coates Forbes Savage Fraser Holland Holyoake Nash Marshall Kirk Watt (acting) Rowling Muldoon Lange Palmer Moore Bolger Shipley Clark Key English Ardern Hipkins Luxon
Category

Links to related articles

v t e Leaders of political parties in the New Zealand Parliament David Seymour (ACT) Marama Davidson / Chlöe Swarbrick (Greens) Chris Hipkins (Labour) Debbie Ngarewa-Packer / Rawiri Waititi (Māori) Christopher Luxon (National) Winston Peters (NZ First) v t e New Zealand Labour Party Leadership Leaders Names in bold served as prime minister Alfred Hindmarsh (1916–18) Harry Holland (1919–33) Michael Joseph Savage (1933–40) Peter Fraser (1940–50) Walter Nash (1950–63) Arnold Nordmeyer (1963–65) Norman Kirk (1965–74) Bill Rowling (1974–83) David Lange (1983–89) Geoffrey Palmer (1989–90) Mike Moore (1990–93) Helen Clark (1993–2008) Phil Goff (2008–11) David Shearer (2011–13) David Cunliffe (2013–14) Andrew Little (2014–17) Jacinda Ardern (2017–23) Chris Hipkins (2023–present) Deputy leaders James McCombs (1919–23) Michael Joseph Savage (1923–33) Peter Fraser (1933–40) Walter Nash (1940–51) Jerry Skinner (1951–62) Fred Hackett (1962–63) Hugh Watt (1963–74) Bob Tizard (1974–79) David Lange (1979–83) Geoffrey Palmer (1983–89) Helen Clark (1989–93) David Caygill (1993–96) Michael Cullen (1996–2008) Annette King (2008–11) Grant Robertson (2011–13) David Parker (2013–14) Annette King (2014–17) Jacinda Ardern (2017) Kelvin Davis (2017–23) Carmel Sepuloni (2023–present) Leadership elections 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1933 1940 1951 1954 1963 1965 1974 1980 1983 1988 1989 1990 1993 1996 2008 2011 2013 2014 2017 2023 Internal offices Party presidents James McCombs (1916–17) Andrew Walker (1917–18) Tom Paul (1918–20) Peter Fraser (1920–21) Frederick Cooke (1921–22) Tom Brindle (1922–26) Bob Semple (1926–28) John Archer (1928–29) Jim Thorn (1929–31) Rex Mason (1931–32) Bill Jordan (1932–33) Frank Langstone (1933–34) Tim Armstrong (1934–35) Walter Nash (1935–36) Clyde Carr (1936–37) James Roberts (1937–50) Arnold Nordmeyer (1950–55) Mick Moohan (1955–60) Martyn Finlay (1960–64) Norman Kirk (1964–66) Norman Douglas (1966–70) Bill Rowling (1970–73) Charles Bennett (1973–76) Arthur Faulkner (1976–79) Jim Anderton (1979–84) Margaret Wilson (1984–87) Rex Jones (1987–88) Ruth Dyson (1988–93) Maryan Street (1993–95) Michael Hirschfeld (1995–99) Bob Harvey (1999–2000) Mike Williams (2000–09) Andrew Little (2009–11) Moira Coatsworth (2011–15) Nigel Haworth (2015–19) Claire Szabó (2019–22) Jill Day (2022–present) General secretaries John Glover (1916–19) Michael Joseph Savage (1919–20) Moses Ayrton (1920–22) Walter Nash (1922–32) Jim Thorn (1932–36) David Wilson (1936–40) Mick Moohan (1940–48) Allan McDonald (1948–71) John Wybrow (1971–85) Tony Timms (1985–95) Rob Allen (1995–2000) Mike Smith (2001–08) Chris Flatt (2008–12) Tim Barnett (2012–16) Andrew Kirton (2016–18) Andre Anderson (2018–20) Rob Salmond (2020–present) Senior Whips Andrew Walker (1916–19) James McCombs (1919–22) Dan Sullivan (1922–35) Bill Jordan (1935–36) Robert McKeen (1937–39) James O'Brien (1939–42) Arthur Shapton Richards (1942–47) Robert Macfarlane (1947–51) Phil Connolly (1951–52) Joe Cotterill (1952–58) Henry May (1958–72) Ron Barclay (1972–76) Roger Drayton (1976–78) Russell Marshall (1978–80) Jonathan Hunt (1980–84) Michael Cullen (1984–87) Margaret Austin (1987–90) Trevor Mallard (1990) Jonathan Hunt (1990–96) Mark Burton (1996–99) Rick Barker (1999–2002) David Benson-Pope (2002–04) Jill Pettis (2004–05) Tim Barnett (2005–08) Darren Hughes (2008–11) Rick Barker (2011) Chris Hipkins (2011–13) Sue Moroney (2013–14) Chris Hipkins (2014–16) Kris Faafoi (2016–17) Ruth Dyson (2017–19) Michael Wood (2019–20) Kieran McAnulty (2020–22) Duncan Webb (2022–23) Tangi Utikere (2023–present) Organisation Current members of parliament Names without electorates are list MPs (List of former MPs) Leader: Chris Hipkins (Remutaka) Deputy Leader: Carmel Sepuloni (Kelston) Ginny Andersen Camilla Belich Glen Bennett Rachel Boyack (Nelson) Rachel Brooking (Dunedin) Reuben Davidson (Christchurch East) Barbara Edmonds (Mana) Shanan Halbert Peeni Henare Willie Jackson Ingrid Leary (Taieri) Jo Luxton Kieran McAnulty Tracey McLellan Damien O'Connor Greg O'Connor (Ōhāriu) David Parker Willow-Jean Prime Priyanca Radhakrishnan Adrian Rurawhe Deborah Russell Jenny Salesa (Panmure-Ōtāhuhu) Lemauga Lydia Sosene (Māngere) Cushla Tangaere-Manuel (Ikaroa-Rāwhiti) Jan Tinetti Phil Twyford (Te Atatū) Tangi Utikere (Palmerston North) Ayesha Verrall Duncan Webb (Christchurch Central) Helen White (Mount Albert) Arena Williams (Manurewa) Megan Woods (Wigram) Related organisations City Vision The People's Choice Princes Street Labour Rainbow Labour Rātana VicLabour Young Labour History History and related topics Liberal–Labour Labour Unity Conferences Lee affair Black Budget Mason Affair It's Time Citizens for Rowling Moyle Affair Fish and Chip Brigade Rogernomics Māori loan affair Backbone club Closing the Gaps Helengrad Corngate Foreshore and seabed controversy KiwiSaver Labour governments First (1935–49) Second (1957–60) Third (1972–75) Fourth (1984–90) Fifth (1999–2008) Sixth (2017–23) Shadow cabinets Kirk Rowling Lange Moore Clark Goff Shearer Cunliffe Little Ardern Hipkins Predecessor parties New Zealand Liberal Party New Zealand Socialist Party Independent Political Labour League New Zealand Labour Party (1910) United Labour Party Social Democratic Party v t e Sixth Labour Government of New Zealand Leadership Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (2017–2023) Chris Hipkins (2023) Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters (2017–2020) Grant Robertson (2020–2023) Carmel Sepuloni (2023) Political parties First term Labour Party (main) New Zealand First (coalition) Green Party (confidence and supply) Second term Labour Party (main) Green Party (cooperation agreement) Ministers Cabinet Labour Party Chris Hipkins Carmel Sepuloni Kelvin Davis Grant Robertson Megan Woods Jan Tinetti Michael Wood Ayesha Verrall Willie Jackson Kiri Allan Damien O'Connor Jo Luxton Andrew Little David Parker Peeni Henare Nanaia Mahuta Priyanca Radhakrishnan Kieran McAnulty Ginny Andersen Barbara Edmonds Willow-Jean Prime Non- Cabinet Labour Party Duncan Webb Rino Tirikatene Deborah Russell Rachel Brooking Green Party James Shaw Marama Davidson Former Labour Party Jacinda Ardern Clare Curran Iain Lees-Galloway Jenny Salesa Kris Faafoi David Clark William Sio Phil Twyford Poto Williams Stuart Nash Meka Whaitiri New Zealand First Winston Peters Ron Mark Tracey Martin Shane Jones Green Party Julie Anne Genter Eugenie Sage Parliamentary leadership Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard (2017–2022) Adrian Rurawhe (2022–2023) Leader of the House Chris Hipkins (2017–2023) Grant Robertson (2023) Chief Government Whip Ruth Dyson (2017–2019) Michael Wood (2019–2020) Kieran McAnulty (2020–2022) Duncan Webb (2022–2023) Tangi Utikere (2023) Timeline 2017 New Zealand general election First term/52nd New Zealand Parliament 2020 New Zealand general election Second term/53rd New Zealand Parliament Policies and spending Budgets 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Overseas Investment Amendment Act 2018 Abortion Legislation Act 2020 Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Act 2019 Christchurch Call to Action Summit Cannabis referendum KiwiBuild New Zealand Upgrade Programme Te Pūkenga COVID-19 response Water Services Reform Programme (formerly Three Waters) Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority) Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Act 2022 Three Strikes Legislation Repeal Act 2022 Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act 2022 Fair Pay Agreements Act 2022 RMA reforms Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 Spatial Planning Act 2023 Other offices Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy (2017–2021) Dame Cindy Kiro (2021–2023) Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias (2017–2019) Dame Helen Winkelmann (2019–2023) Leader of the Opposition Bill English (2017–2018) Simon Bridges (2018–2020) Todd Muller (2020) Judith Collins (2020–2021) Christopher Luxon (2021–2023) 2017–2023 ← Fifth National Government Sixth National Government → v t e Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives Presiding officer: Speaker Gerry Brownlee Government v t e National Party Luxon Anderson Bates Bayly Bidois Bishop Brewer Brown Brownlee Butterick Campbell Cheung Collins Costley Doocey Fleming Garcia Goldsmith Grigg Hamilton Kirkpatrick Kuriger Lee Lu McCallum McClay MacLeod Meager Mitchell Mooney Nakhle Nimon Penk Potaka Pugh Redmayne Reti Rutherford Simmonds Simpson Smith Stanford Uffindell Upston van de Molen Watts Wedd Weenink Willis v t e ACT New Zealand Seymour Cameron Chhour Court Hoggard Luxton McKee Parmar Stephenson McClure van Velden v t e New Zealand First Peters Arbuckle Costello Foster Jones Marcroft Patterson Unkovich Official opposition v t e Labour Party Hipkins Andersen Belich Bennett Boyack Brooking Davidson Edmonds Halbert Henare Jackson Leary Luxton McAnulty McLellan D. O'Connor G. O'Connor Parker Prime Radhakrishnan Rurawhe Russell Salesa Sepuloni Sosene Tangaere-Manuel Tinetti Twyford Utikere Verrall Webb White Williams Woods v t e Green Party Davidson • Swarbrick Abel Carter Doyle Genter Hernandez Lyndon Menéndez March Paul Pham Tuiono Wade-Brown Willis Xu-Nan v t e Te Pāti Māori Ngarewa-Packer • Waititi Ferris Kapa-Kingi Kemp Maipi-Clarke 2023 general election v t e COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand People Cabinet Jacinda Ardern David Clark Chris Hipkins Winston Peters Grant Robertson Ayesha Verrall Megan Woods Epidemic Response Committee Simon Bridges Kiri Allan Paula Bennett Marama Davidson Ruth Dyson Paul Goldsmith Shane Reti David Seymour Fletcher Tabuteau Michael Wood Michael Woodhouse Officials Jim Bliss Ashley Bloomfield Mike Bush Andrew Coster Peter Crabtree Rose King Megan Main Caroline McElnay John Ombler Brian Roche Sharon Shea Heather Simpson Sarah Stuart-Black Ian Town Darryn Webb Scientists Michael Baker Jemma Geoghegan Matire Harwood David Hayman Shaun Hendy Rod Jackson David Murdoch Dion O'Neale Helen Petousis-Harris Michael Plank Papaarangi Reid David Skegg Simon Thornley Collin Tukuitonga Nikki Turner Ayesha Verrall Siouxsie Wiles Anne Wyllie Others Suzy Cato Claire Deeks Rob Fyfe Sue Grey Hone Harawira Toby Morris Anna Mowbray Graham Philip Paul Reid Jami-Lee Ross Brian Tamaki Billy Te Kahika Government Alert levels COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 COVID-19 Response (Vaccinations) Legislation Act 2021 COVID-19 Response Recognition Award District health boards Managed isolation Ministry of Health My Vaccine Pass New Zealand Microbiology Network NZ COVID Tracer NZ Pass Verifier Traffic light system Vaccination Zero-COVID Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned Organisations Counterspin Media Samoan Assemblies of God in New Zealand Te Pūnaha Matatini The Freedoms & Rights Coalition Voices for Freedom The Disinformation Project Impact Economy 2degrees Air New Zealand Allied Press ASB Bank Bank of New Zealand Bauer Media Group Bunnings Dunedin Railways Fletcher Building Flight Centre H & J Smith Hermitage Hotel Jetstar Le Lapérouse MediaWorks Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Ngāi Tahu Tourism NZME Te Papa SkyCity Entertainment Group Smiths City Steel & Tube TAB Virgin Australia Warehouse Group Disease clusters Marist College (Auckland) Papatoetoe High School Ruby Princess (Hawke's Bay) Social Protests 2022 Wellington protest Social impact Timeline 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Associated states and dependencies Cook Islands Niue Tokelau

• Chris Hipkins
• 1978 births
• Living people
• People from the Wellington Region
• Prime ministers of New Zealand
• Leaders of the Opposition (New Zealand)
• New Zealand Labour Party leaders
• New Zealand Labour Party MPs
• Members of the Cabinet of New Zealand
• Ministers of education of New Zealand
• New Zealand republicans
• Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives
• New Zealand MPs for Hutt Valley electorates
• Candidates in the 2017 New Zealand general election
• Candidates in the 2020 New Zealand general election
• Victoria University of Wellington alumni
• Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association presidents
• 20th-century New Zealand people
• 21st-century New Zealand politicians
• Candidates in the 2023 New Zealand general election
• Health ministers of New Zealand