Chris Hipkins

Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2023

The Right Honourable

Chris Hipkins

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
18th Leader of the Labour Party

Incumbent

Assumed office
22 January 2023
Deputy|

* Kelvin Davis
* Carmel Sepuloni

Preceded by| Jacinda Ardern
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
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[1]

|  |

This article is part of
a series about

Chris 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[2][3] 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".[4][5]

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.[6] 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.[7] 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.[8] His premiership was faced almost immediately with the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods, and then by further flooding from Cyclone Gabrielle.[9] 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

[edit]

Christopher John Hipkins was born in the Hutt Valley[10] on 5 September 1978,[11][12] the son of Doug and Rosemary Hipkins.[13] His mother is the chief researcher for the New Zealand Council for Educational Research.[14]

Hipkins attended Waterloo Primary School in Lower Hutt and Hutt Intermediate School.[15] 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,[11] where he was student president in 2000 and 2001.[16]

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.[16]

Hipkins received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in political science and criminology from Victoria University of Wellington.[17] 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.[18]

## In Opposition, 2008–2017

[edit]

See also: Electoral history of Chris Hipkins

New Zealand Parliament Years  | Term  | Electorate  | List  | Party

|
|
|
|

2008-2011  | 49th | Rimutaka | 47  |  | Labour
2011-2014  | 50th | Rimutaka  | 30  |  | Labour
2014-2017  | 51st | Rimutaka  | 9  |  | Labour
2017-2020  | 52nd | Rimutaka  | 7  |  | Labour
2020-2023  | 53rd | Remutaka | 6  |  | Labour
2023-present  | 54th | Remutaka  | 1  |  | Labour

### Standing as a parliamentary candidate (2008)

[edit]

Hipkins in 2011

Hipkins was selected to stand in the Labour-held seat of Rimutaka (renamed Remutaka in 2020 following a 2016 Treaty of Waitangi settlement)[19] 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.[20] In his first election, Hipkins won the seat with a modest majority of 753.[21]

### First term (2008–2011)

[edit]

For the first nine years of Hipkins' parliamentary career, Labour formed the Official Opposition. Hipkins' maiden speech set out his interest in education policy.[13] 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.[22]

In May 2010, his Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill was drawn from the member's ballot.[23] 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,[24] but was defeated at its first reading in June.[23]

### Second term (2011–2014)

[edit]

During the 2011 general election, Hipkins retained the Rimutaka electorate by an increased margin of 3,286 votes.[25]

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.[22] As education spokesperson, Hipkins was outspoken in his opposition to the National Government's implementation of charter schools in New Zealand[26] and closure of schools in Christchurch following the destructive 2011 earthquake.[27] Hipkins continued as education spokesperson under Shearer's successor, David Cunliffe.[22]

In April 2013, Hipkins voted in favour of the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill, which legalised same-sex marriage in New Zealand.[28]

### Third term (2014–2017)

[edit]

During the 2014 general election, Hipkins retained Rimutaka by a margin of 6,664 votes.[29] In his third term, Hipkins continued as education spokesperson and additionally served as shadow leader of the House under leaders Andrew Little and Ardern.[22]

In late 2015, Hipkins received veiled threats, including a death threat, for voicing his concerns about a billboard advertising "cut-price" guns.[30]

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.[31]

## In Government (2017-2023)

[edit]

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,"[4] 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.[32][33][34]

### Fourth term (2017–2020)

[edit]

During the 2017 general election, Hipkins retained the Rimutaka electorate by a margin of 8,609 votes.[35]

Hipkins was elected as a Cabinet minister by the Labour's formation of a coalition government with New Zealand First and the Greens.[36] It was later announced that he would serve as minister for education.[37]

Hipkins at the NZEI strike rally outside Parliament House, 15 August 2018

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.[38][39] 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.[40] By September 2018, all twelve charter schools had successfully transitioned to become state-integrated and special character schools.[41][42]

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."[43][44]

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.[45][46][47][48] In response to the Christchurch mosque shootings, Hipkins extended the polytechnic submission timeframe to 5 April 2019.[49]

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.[50][51][52]

On 1 August 2019, Hipkins reaffirmed the Government's plan to merge all polytechnics into a single entity in April 2020.[53] 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.[54][55][56] By 2022, the merger began to strike difficulties including low enrolments, large deficits and resignations of senior staff.[57]

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.[32][58]

### Fifth term (2020–2023)

[edit]

Hipkins retained his seat, now known as Remutaka, during the 2020 general election, with a total of 20,497 votes.[59]

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.[33] 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.[60][61][62][63][64] 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.[65][66][67]

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".[68][69] Commentators suggested that he meant to say, "stretch your legs."[70]

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.[71][72] 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."[72]

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.[73]

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.[74] 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.[75]

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.[76][77][78][79][80] 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.[81]

In a June 2022 reshuffle, Hipkins was shifted from his COVID-19 response portfolio and replaced Poto Williams as minister of police.[34]

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.[82][83]

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.[84][85] That same day, Hipkins confirmed that the Government would hold a Royal Commission of Inquiry into its COVID-19 responses.[86]

## Prime Minister (2023)

[edit]

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 Ardern

Christopher Luxon ->

* * *

### Nomination and appointment

[edit]

Hipkins (right) and Carmel Sepuloni (left), after being sworn in as prime minister and deputy prime minister, respectively, by the governor-general, Dame Cindy Kiro, at Government House, Wellington, on 25 January 2023

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.[87][88]

Hipkins was confirmed as the only nominee shortly after nominations closed at 9:00 a.m. on 21 January.[7][89] 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.[90] 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.[91] 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 [that he had boarded for a flight to Wellington] was closing", leaving him unable to respond to his messages for 40 minutes.[92] The formal meeting to confirm Hipkins as leader was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on 22 January 2023.[88]

Hipkins was sworn in as prime minister by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro on 25 January 2023.[93] His deputy prime minister was Carmel Sepuloni, the first Pasifika to hold the position.[8] 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".[94] 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.[95]

### Domestic affairs

[edit]

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.[96] 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.[97]

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.[98][99] 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.[100] Hipkins subsequently attended a press conference in West Auckland with MacAnulty, Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown, and Minister of Transport Michael Wood.[101]

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:[102][103][104] 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.[103] 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.[105]

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.[106] While the Three Waters Reform programme was eventually passed and promised to be reformed in 2021 by the NZ Labour Party.[107] 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.[108][109][110]

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.[111][112] 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.[113][114]

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.[115]

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.[116] 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.[117] The budget will also allocate NZ$1.9b from the Climate Emergency Response Fund on emissions reductions and adaptation measures.[117] 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.[118]

### Foreign affairs

[edit]

Hipkins with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak, May 2023

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.[119][120] 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.[121]

Hipkins with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, May 2023

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.[122]

Hipkins meeting with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Port Moresby in May 2023

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.[123][124][125] 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.[124][126] On 23 May, Hipkins accepted an offer from Modi to visit India and discuss a proposed free trade agreement between India and New Zealand.[125]

Hipkins at the 2023 Vilnius NATO summit

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.[127] 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.[128] 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.[129] 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.[130]

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[131]

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.[132][133] On 19 November 2023, Hipkins called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, saying "the violence and the killing has to stop".[134]

### 2023 general election

[edit]

Hipkins led the Labour Party into the 2023 general election.[135] During the election campaign, Hipkins ruled out introducing a capital gains tax if Labour was re-elected to Government.[136] 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),[137] and increasing the funding for Te Matatini tenfold.[138]

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%.[139] Hipkins conceded the election to National Party leader Christopher Luxon on election night.[135] Hipkins retained his Remutaka electorate seat by a margin of 8,859 votes.[140]

## In Opposition (2023-present)

[edit]

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.[141] 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.[142] Hipkins continued to serve as caretaker prime minister until the formation of the National-led government.[142] He stepped down and Luxon succeeded him on 27 November.[143]

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.[144]

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.[145] In mid-September, a Talbot Mills survey conducted between 1 and 10 September found that Hipkins ranked 22% in the Preferred Prime Minister Poll.[146] 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.[147]

## Political views

[edit]

Hipkins is typically regarded as a centrist politician, and an "arch-pragmatist".[148][149] A student activist at university, he has labelled himself as increasingly moderate due to deepening political polarisation.[150] During his premiership he emphasised "bread and butter" issues,[151] 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.[152][153][154]

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.[122] 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."[155]

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.[156]

## Public image

[edit]

Hipkins is nicknamed "Chippy", a diminutive name derived from his initials, but reflective of his "upbeat, slightly schoolboyish demeanour".[157] He is known for his enjoyment of sausage rolls and Coke Zero.[158][159] 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").[160] Hipkins has embraced his public perception,[160] and is generally known as humble, affable,[161] and self-deprecating.[162][163][164][165]

## Personal life

[edit]

Hipkins and his wife Jade were married in 2020 in a ceremony held at Premier House, Wellington, with Grant Robertson serving as best man.[166] He has two children. He and his wife separated in 2022.[167] 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.[7] He remet former staffer Toni Grace and began a relationship with her.[168] The relationship was publicly revealed during his election night concession speech in October 2023.[169]

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.[170][171]

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[edit]

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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. ^ a b 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. 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

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chris Hipkins.

Wikinews has related news:

* "Energized and excited": Chris Hipkins becomes 41st Prime Minister of New Zealand

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

New Zealand Parliament

Preceded by

Paul Swain

|  Member of Parliament for Remutaka
2008–present  | Incumbent
Preceded by

Simon Bridges

|  Leader of the House
2017–2023  | Succeeded by

Grant Robertson

Political offices
Preceded by

Nikki Kaye

|  Minister of Education
2017–2023  | Succeeded by

Jan Tinetti

Preceded by

Paula Bennett

|  Minister for the Public Service
2017–2023  | Succeeded by

Andrew Little

Preceded by

Poto Williams

|  Minister of Police
2022–2023  | Succeeded by

Stuart Nash

New ministerial post |  Minister for COVID-19 Response
2020–2022  | Succeeded by

Ayesha Verrall

Preceded by

David Clark

|  Minister of Health
2020  | Succeeded by

Andrew Little

Preceded by

Jacinda Ardern

|  Prime Minister of New Zealand
2023  | Succeeded by

Christopher Luxon

Preceded by

Christopher Luxon

|  Leader of the Opposition
2023–present  | Incumbent
Party political offices
Preceded by

Rick Barker

|  Senior Whip of the Labour Party
2011–2013
2014–2016  | Succeeded by

Sue Moroney

Preceded by

Sue Moroney

| Succeeded by

Kris Faafoi

Preceded by

Jacinda Ardern

|  Leader of the Labour Party
2023–present  | Incumbent

* 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

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* Germany
* United States

*[m.]: married
*[sep.]: separated
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template