Jacinda Ardern's pick Chris Hipkins endorsed as next New Zealand prime minister trends now
As New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Adern hands over the reins of power to new Labour leader Chris Hipkins an old photo shows the historical bond between the pair runs very deep and halfway across the globe.
A photo has emerged of a youthful Ms Adern and Mr Hipkins beaming at the camera in London's Hyde Park 16 years ago.
Greg O'Beirne, who is Professor of Audiology at New Zealand's University of Canterbury, dug up the old shot and posted it on Twitter a day before Mr Hipkins took over as leader of the ruling Labour party from Ms Ardern.
Chris Hipkins (pictured right) is set to take over as New Zealand prime minister from Jacinda Adern (pictured leftg) following his endorsement as Labour leader on Sunday
'16 years ago, two future New Zealand Prime Ministers hanging out in Hyde Park, London,' the professor tweeted.
He also informed Twitter user the original caption read: 'Former Wellingtonians Jacinda and Chris – the NZ Memorial ceremony seemed to have left them in excellent spirits'.
The pair had attended the unveiling of the New Zealand Memorial in London's Hyde Park on Remembrance Day 2006.
After being appointed Labour leader on Sunday, Mr Hipkins said he will focus on the country's cost of living and housing crises.
M Adern and Mr Hipkins pictured in London's Hyde Park after attending unveiling of the New Zealand Memorial in 2006
Chris Hipkins, who was the unanimous pick of the ruling party's Labour MPs for the top job, will be officially sworn in as prime minister on Wednesday following the shock shock resignation of Jacinda Ardern.
Mr Hipkins, who has an electoral mountain to climb with Labour trailing in the polls ahead of the October 14 election, said his government would bring 'clarity' to the problems confronting New Zealand.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (left) and new Labour leader Chris Hipkins (right) enter Wellington's Parliament house before the party's MPs unanimously endorsed the change
Although Mr Hipkins said New Zealand was doing well economically compared to other countries in the post-Covid period he acknowledged run-away prices and a housing shortage are burning issues.
'Many people are hurting right now and I want them to know we are on their side,' he said.
Whereas Ms Adern was known for her more focus on progressive social justice concerns, which led to New Zealand adopting a 'Wellbeing Budget', Mr Hipkins said he would zero in on the 'bread and butter issues'.
A top priority would be the chronic housing shortage and high property prices.
'You shouldn't have to be on a six-figure salary to buy a new house,' Mr Hipkins said.
As he steps up from being minister for police Mr Hipkins also promised to tackle the concerns about crime.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and new Labour leader Chris Hipkins hug infront the press before Mr Hipkins was installed as the new party leader
He also indicated the government would look at paring back what it was doing and indicated some programs were going to cut.
'I know that some New Zealanders feel we are doing too much too fast and I
