Chris Hipkins Sworn in as 41st Prime Minister of New Zealand

Wellington: Chris Hipkins, 44, has been sworn in as the 41st Prime Minister of New Zealand today.

Before handing over to Chris Hipkins, Jacinda Ardern attended an annual gathering of politicians and Maori elders in Rātana. After the formal handover of power, Jacinda Ardern left Parliament as prime minister for the final time this morning. It was her last official act as prime minister of New Zealand.

Hipkins and incoming deputy prime minister Carmel Sepuloni arrived there at about 11.20 am for the swearing-in ceremony. Hipkins has signalled tackling the “inflation pandemic” will be a top priority for his cabinet.

Hipkins was first elected to parliament in 2008 and was appointed minister for Covid-19 in November 2020. He was the minister for police, education and public service.