New Zealand’s Incoming PM Chris Hipkins Pledges to Prioritize Cost of Living

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

Chris Hipkins on Wednesday pledged to make the cost of living his “first priority” after he was sworn in as New Zealand’s 41st prime minister following the abrupt resignation of Jacinda Ardern last week.

“New Zealanders will absolutely see in the coming weeks and months that cost of living is right at the heart of our work program,” Hipkins told reporters after his first Cabinet meeting.