Who Is Chris Hipkins, New Zealand’s 41st Prime Minister replacing Jacinda Ardern?

New Delhi: Chris Hipkins was sworn in as the 41st Prime Minister of New Zealand after the unexpected resignation of Jacinda Ardern. The Labour Party leader was among the close circle of former PM Ardern and also became a household name after being the Minister for COVID-19 Response. Meanwhile, Carmel Sepuloni of the Labour Party became the first person with Pacific Island heritage to be sworn in as the Deputy Prime Minister of the country.

WATCH: “I acknowledge the important nature of my role.”

Chris Hipkins is sworn in as the 41st prime minister of New Zealand, less than a week after Jacinda Ardern’s surprise resignation https://t.co/5tf5uD4X8m pic.twitter.com/XUlSjvR4fY

— Bloomberg Asia (@BloombergAsia) January 25, 2023

Who is Chris Hipkins?

Chris Hipkins has been part of various ministries under Jacinda Ardern. Holding press conferences and tackling COVID-19 as the Minister for COVID-19 Response made him popular in his country. He has also served as Minister of Education, Minister for Public Service, Leader of the House and Minister of Police before becoming the 41st PM of New Zealand.

His political career began with his involvement with the Victoria University Students’ Association while he was studying Politics and Criminology there. As per him, his ‘defining moment’ in politics came in 1997 when he was arrested for protests against the educational policy and he had to spend 12 years in jail before the government apologised and gave compensation to protestors.

🇳🇿Jacinda Ardern replaced by Chris Hipkins as New Zealand PM: People gathered to applaud Jacinda Ardern as she left New Zealand’s parliament to resign as prime minister on Wednesday, before Chris Hipkins was swiftly sworn in as her replacement. The father-of-two is nicknamed pic.twitter.com/VrgeyJUemy

— 🌐World News 24 🌍🌎🌏 (@DailyWorld24) January 25, 2023

He and Ardern worked as young advisers under the Clark government and entered parliament as opposition MPs in 2008.

After being given the duty of COVID-19 response, he has also been part of social media trends and memes, one of which includes him asking people to go out and spread their legs instead of asking them to stretch their legs.

Have to love the thumbs up for the ‘good news’ the COVID-19 response Minister @chrishipkins opens the press conference with. No new cases in the community. pic.twitter.com/ktfdYvxgb0

— Marja Lubeck MP (@MarjaLubeck) February 18, 2021

Personal life

The New Zealand PM married Jade Maries Hipkins in 2020 and has two children. His biography tells that he has hobbies including mountain biking and swimming.