New Zealand’s ruling Labor Party elected Chris Hipkins as the country’s 41st prime minister

New Zealand’s ruling Labor Party elected Chris Hipkins as the country’s 41st prime minister: New Zealand’s ruling Labor Party on 22 January elected Chris Hipkins as its leader and the country’s 41st prime minister, replacing Ms Jacinda Ardern.

January 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

An overview of the news

• Hipkins was the only candidate for the position and was confirmed by 64 MPs in what is known as the Labor caucus.
• Known as “Chippy”, Hipkins played a key role in the response to COVID-19.
• He was first elected to Parliament in 2008 for the Labor Party.
• He was appointed Minister of Health in July 2020 before becoming the Minister of COVID Response.
• Before Hipkins can officially become prime minister, Ardern must submit her resignation to King Charles III’s representative in New Zealand, Governor General Cindy Kiro.
• Kiro Hipkins will then be appointed to the role and sworn in.
• The Labour party has also selected Carmel Sepuloni as the deputy prime minister.

About New Zealand

• Prime Minister: Chris Hipkins
• Capital: Wellington
• Currency : New Zealand dollar