Analysis

New Zealand’s new DIY PM faces tough economic task

Chris Hipkins has been quick to pivot to “bread and butter issues”, but he faces a daunting job to revive New Zealand’s economy.

Luke MalpassStuff political editor

Feb 1, 2023 – 2.13pm

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Wellington | New Zealand’s fresh new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is pivoting his majority Labour government away from the patrimony of Jacinda Ardern and back to what he calls “bread and butter issues”. Inflation, law and order and worker shortages are chief among them.

Hipkins, a former education and COVID-19 minister has hit the ground running since being handed the top job less than two weeks ago, following the shock resignation of Ardern, prime minister since 2017.

Luke Malpass is political editor at Stuff, a New Zealand news site.