New Zealand welcomed a new
prime minister on Wednesday, six days after Jacinda Ardern’s shock resignation ahead of an
upcoming election.
Chris Hipkins,
44, was sworn in on Wednesday at an inauguration ceremony in the capital
Wellington.
Hipkins was
first elected to Parliament in 2008 and spearheaded the country’s Covid-19
policies in 2020. Before becoming prime minister, he was minister of education,
minister of police, minister for the public service, and leader of the house.
Hipkins was
unanimously endorsed on Sunday by the ruling Labour party to succeed Ardern
as its leader. He was the only nominee.
“I have experienced such love,
compassion, empathy and kindness in the job. That has been my predominant
experience. So I leave feeling gratitude for having this wonderful role for so
many years,” Ardern told reporters at the event.
“I would hate
for anyone to view my departure as a negative commentary on New Zealand,” she
added.
Ardern said the
most important advice she gave Hipkins is “you do you.”
“This is for him
now. It’s for him to carve out his own space, be his own kind of leader.
Actually, there is no advice I can really impart. I can share information, I
can share experiences, but this is now for him,” she said.
“You won’t find
me commenting on domestic politics, I’ve had my time,” Ardern said, adding:
“I’m ready to be a backbench MP, I’m ready to be a sister and a mom.”
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