New Zealand Chooses Chris Hipkins to Succeed Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister

Chris Hipkins speaks to members of the media, after being confirmed as the only nomination to replace Jacinda Ardern as leader of the Labour Party, outside New Zealand's parliament in Wellington, New Zealand on Jan. 21, 2023. Lucy Craymer/Reuters

WELLINGTON—New Zealand’s ruling Labour Party chose former COVID-19 minister Chris Hipkins on Jan. 22 to succeed Jacinda Ardern as the party’s new leader and become the next prime minister of the country.

Hipkins, 44, was the only nominee for the job and his confirmation at a party meeting on Jan. 22, known as the Labour caucus, was largely a formality. His appointment to the top job followed the surprise resignation on Jan. 19 by Ardern, who said she had “no more in the tank” to lead the country.