Chris Hepkins officially became New Zealand’s new prime minister yesterday and took office during a ceremony in Wellington to succeed Jacinda Ardern, who left parliament to cheers from hundreds of New Zealanders. Jacinda Ardern surprised her country last week when she abruptly announced her resignation from office less than three years after winning a second term in a landslide.
Hopkins, 44, was sworn in as Governor General of New Zealand during a ceremony in the capital city of Wellington, saying: “He feels impulsive and enthusiastic to take on the challenges ahead,” adding: “This is the greatest privilege and greatest responsibility of my life.”
Chris Hepkins served for two years as minister responsible for fighting the Covid-19 outbreak in a country that closed its borders to prevent the pandemic and did not open them until August 2022.
Hopkins, who studied political science and criminology at the University of Victoria and later worked in apprenticeships, said the cost of living was one of his priorities but was more reserved when asked about other possible policy changes.
And after presiding over his first government meeting on Wednesday afternoon, Hopkins said, “Assuming Ardern’s responsibilities is a very proud moment” for him.
Father-of-two Hopkins calls himself “Chibi” and describes himself as a typical working-class New Zealander who prefers to cycle to work.
