January 24, 2023
1 min read

Chris Hipkins takes charge as New Zealand PM

The cabinet shuffle is slated for next week…reports Asian Lite News

Chris Hipkins was sworn in as New Zealand Prime Minister on Wednesday, with his predecessor Jacinda Ardern officially tendering her resignation.

The swearing-in ceremony held in Parliament saw Hipkins officially taking up the top job and Carmel Sepuloni becoming the deputy Prime Minister, Xinhua news agency reported.

Prime Minister Hipkins will reshuffle the cabinet next week. Besides the top leadership role, Hipkins himself will be the minister of national security and intelligence.

Tackling inflation will be his priority, he said, as Stats NZ released on Wednesday the growth of New Zealand’s consumers price index remained 7.2 per cent in the 12 months to December 2022.

Announcing her resignation on last Thursday, Ardern said, after five and a half years of the top leadership role, she could not keep going for another year or term after careful consideration.

“Being Prime Minister has been the greatest honour of my life,” Ardern said, citing her cabinet’s achievement in alleviating child poverty and increasing welfare support and public housing stock.

On Tuesday with the presence of her successor Hipkins, Ardern made a de facto farewell speech as the Prime Minister.

The outgoing Labor leader on her last day as Prime Minister said that her departure should not be viewed as a negative commentary on New Zealand.

“I have experienced such love, compassion, empathy and kindness when I’ve been in this job — that has been my predominant experience,” Ardern said while visiting the town of Ratana with Hipkins.

Ardern said that she is not going anywhere and will still be the Member of Parliament for Mt Albert and she will be away from the centre of politics.

Travelling with Ardern, Hipkins said he and Ardern have reflected on the last few years, adding “it’s a bittersweet moment.”

New Zealand’s 2023 general election will be held on October 14, 2023.

ALSO READ: Sisi arrives in India for R-Day celebrations

Previous Story

Turkey gets tough on Sweden, Finland over Quran burning

Next Story

WHO issues urgent call for actions after cough syrup deaths

Latest from -Top News

India, Canada Deepen Cultural Ties with New Temple

The Indian envoy lauded BAPS, a socio-spiritual Hindu organisation, along with its volunteers, for their efforts in serving the community….reports Asianlite News Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh K. Patnaik attended the

The General Who Won’t Let Go

The Pakistani Army Chief is gradually bringing in people from both his family and the army into the administrative division of the country….reports Asianlite News In July this year, rumours were rife

Trump Begins Japan Leg of Asia Tour

Upon landing, his only scheduled public engagement is a courtesy visit with Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump is scheduled to depart Malaysia shortly,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Rizwan, Babar lead Pakistan to final with win over New Zealand

Skipper Babar was dropped by Devon Conway and he made

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern renews invitation to Modi

She extended this invitation while participating in �Vishwa Sadbhavana’ event