Hipkins was sworn in after New Zealand Governor-General Cindy Kiro accepted Ardern’s resignation. “It is the greatest privilege and greatest responsibility of my life,” Hipkins said at the swearing-in ceremony. He said, ‘I am curious and energetic about the challenges ahead.’ Carmel Sepuloni sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister. For the first time in the country, a person belonging to the Pacific Island has been entrusted with the responsibility of this post.
Hipkins came in the public eye
Sepuloni congratulated Hipkins and thanked him for placing his trust in him. Hipkins, popularly known as ‘Chippy’, has served as minister for education and policing under Ardern’s leadership. Hipkins came into the public eye during the COVID-19 pandemic for her key role in managing the crisis, but it was Ardern who attracted the most attention in government.
She became a topic of discussion at the global level due to her innovative style of leadership. Ardern, who held the top post for nearly five-and-a-half years, surprised her country last Thursday by announcing her resignation as prime minister.