Chris Hipkins is the only candidate nominated for the leadership of the ruling Labor Party, CNN quoted the party's announcement on the morning of January 21.
The closed meeting of the Labor Party took place at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday (January 22) to confirm the nomination and confirm Chris Hipkins as the leader - Mr. Duncan Webb, a member in charge of the Labor Party organization, informed.
New Zealand's next general election will be held on October 14.
Ms. Ardern announced on January 19 that she would withdraw to support a new leader and not seek re-election in the October election.
Speaking at a press conference later, Ms. Ardern said that her term would end on February 7, with a new Labor party prime minister expected to be sworn in, although depending on the process, this could take place sooner.
Chris Hipkins said for the first time as a nominee that taking on the prime minister position would be the greatest responsibility and greatest privilege of my life.
Hipkins also expressed respect for her predecessor, saying she was a great prime minister who brought "calm, stable, secure leadership - something I hope I will continue to do".
As an experienced, sharp lawmaker in debate and with a deep understanding of the government apparatus, The Guardian said that Mr. Hipkins will probably face the biggest challenge in his political career: Convincing New Zealanders to give the Labor Party another government term without the influence of Ms. Ardern.
The concern about Deputy Head of the Hipkins Institute, 44, remains unanswered. Hipkins did not comment on whether to choose a woman to support him, except to reveal: For the first time in New Zealands history, we have a gender-balanced parliament. Women are holding senior roles in our parliament. That is good, wonderful and our country should be proud of that.
Mr. Hipkins previously oversaw New Zealand's response to the pandemic as the Minister for COVID-19 response in Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's cabinet.
According to the official records, Mr. Chris Hipkins is the Minister of Education, the Minister of Public Security and the Minister of Public Service. He is also the leader of the New Zealand House of Representatives.
"Chris deeply believes that every New Zealand person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential in life. He is a supporter and protector of our public education system. Chris believes that a free, quality education is the right of all children" - an introduction to Mr. Chris Hipkins on the Labor Party website said.
Hipkins first served in the government as a senior adviser to two education ministers and then the then-Prime Minister's office, Helen Clark.
He joined the New Zealand Parliament in 2008 and became a spokesperson for education in early 2013. "He emphasizes social justice and believes that all New Zealanders should have the opportunity to reach their full potential," according to the Labor Party website.
Born in 1978, Chris Hipkins has worked in both the public and private sectors. He is passionate about outdoor activities, especially mountain mountain bike riding, long-distance walking and swimming. He currently lives in Upper Hutt.
The candidate to replace Ms. Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand Prime Minister studied at Waterloo Primary School, Hutt High School and Hutt Valley Memorial College (later Petone College). At college, he was valedictorian in 1996. He continued to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Political and Criminalology at the University of Victoria. After graduating, Chris Hipkins worked in the field of industrial training.
