Chris Hipkins

Christopher John Hipkins was born in the Hutt Valley{{cite news |title=Chris Hipkins: From Head Boy to Prime Minister |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/482831/chris-hipkins-from-head-boy-to-prime-minister |access-date=21 January 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=21 January 2023 |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120221546/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/482831/chris-hipkins-from-head-boy-to-prime-minister |url-status=live }} on 5 September 1978,{{cite web |title=Hon Chris Hipkins |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/biography/chris-hipkins |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=22 November 2021 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122233815/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/biography/chris-hipkins |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Audrey |title=Education Minister Chris Hipkins plans to take parental leave from Beehive for baby No. 2 |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/education-minister-chris-hipkins-plans-to-take-parental-leave-from-beehive-for-baby-no-2/IPFRNXSN74B7VYKZ2BTFYBHNKY/ |access-date=23 November 2021 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=1 September 2018 |archive-date=23 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123000235/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/education-minister-chris-hipkins-plans-to-take-parental-leave-from-beehive-for-baby-no-2/IPFRNXSN74B7VYKZ2BTFYBHNKY/ |url-status=live}} the son of Doug and Rosemary Hipkins.{{cite journal |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/49HansS_20081216_00001004/hipkins-chris-maiden-statements |title=Hipkins, Chris: maiden statements |journal=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) |volume=651 |page=74 |date=16 December 2008 |access-date=25 January 2023 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124201248/https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/49HansS_20081216_00001004/hipkins-chris-maiden-statements |url-status=live }} His mother is the chief researcher for the New Zealand Council for Educational Research.{{cite news |last1=Alves |first1=Vera |title=Covid 19 Omicron: Minister Chris Hipkins' mum warns media he will be late |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-minister-chris-hipkins-mum-warns-media-he-will-be-late/JY7QNLZFZUPPVQONDPCFJVZVYE/ |access-date=7 January 2022 |work=New Zealand Herald |date=30 December 2021 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=2 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102094844/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-minister-chris-hipkins-mum-warns-media-he-will-be-late/JY7QNLZFZUPPVQONDPCFJVZVYE/ |url-status=live }}

Hipkins attended Waterloo Primary School in Lower Hutt and Hutt Intermediate School.{{Cite web |last=Boyack |first=Nicholas |date=2023-03-21 |title=Chris Hipkins tours his electorate, showing his love of a cheese and steak pie |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131549801/chris-hipkins-tours-his-electorate-showing-his-love-of-a-cheese-and-steak-pie |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=Stuff |language=en}} He was head boy at Hutt Valley Memorial College (later known as Petone College) in 1996. He later studied at the Victoria University of Wellington, where he was student president in 2000 and 2001.{{Cite web|last=Bhonsule|first=Priyanka|date=4 August 2009|title=Parliament to say sorry to protestors|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/hutt-news/2595536/Parliament-to-say-sorry-to-protestors|access-date=10 February 2022|magazine=Stuff |language=en|archive-date=10 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210014750/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/hutt-news/2595536/Parliament-to-say-sorry-to-protestors|url-status=live}}

In September 1997, as a first-year student at Victoria University, Hipkins was one of dozens arrested while protesting against the Tertiary Review Green Bill at Parliament. The matter went through the courts, and 10 years later an apology and award of over $200,000 was shared among the 41 protesters. The judge ruled that despite claims by police that the protestors were violent, the protest was peaceful and there were no grounds for arrest.

Hipkins received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in political science and criminology from Victoria University of Wellington.{{Cite web |title=Hon Chris Hipkins |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/biography/chris-hipkins |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=The Beehive |language=en |archive-date=22 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122233815/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/biography/chris-hipkins |url-status=live }} He then worked as a policy advisor for the Industry Training Federation and as a training manager for Todd Energy in Taranaki. Hipkins also worked in Parliament as an advisor to Trevor Mallard and Helen Clark.{{cite web|date=12 December 2007|title=Chris Hipkins – Profile|url=http://chrishipkins.org.nz/?page_id=2|access-date=6 May 2010|archive-date=21 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521235606/http://chrishipkins.org.nz/?page_id=2|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Electoral history of Chris Hipkins}}

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File:Chris Hipkins 2.jpg Hipkins was selected to stand in the Labour-held seat of Rimutaka (renamed Remutaka in 2020 following a 2016 Treaty of Waitangi settlement){{cite web|url=https://vote.nz/assets/Boundary-Review/REPORT-OF-THE-REPRESENTATION-COMMISSION-2020.pdf |title=Report of the Representation Commission 2020 |date=17 April 2020}} in the 2008 general election, following the retirement of the sitting MP Paul Swain. He contested the Labour selection over trade unionist Paul Chalmers, who had Swain's support. His selection was part of Prime Minister Helen Clark's intention to rejuvenate the party with 29-year-old Hipkins winning against the 54-year-old Chalmers.{{Cite web |first=Audrey |last=Young |title=Youth beats experience to safe Labour seat |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/youth-beats-experience-to-safe-labour-seat/ULBOSSPKNJI6JRCJIV2F5G6OYQ/ |website=The New Zealand Herald |date=10 December 2007 |access-date=23 January 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122015346/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/youth-beats-experience-to-safe-labour-seat/ULBOSSPKNJI6JRCJIV2F5G6OYQ/ }} In his first election, Hipkins won the seat with a modest majority of 753.{{cite web |date=22 November 2008 |title=Official Count Results – Rimutaka |url=http://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2008/electorate-43.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812002445/https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2008/electorate-43.html |archive-date=12 August 2020 |access-date=6 May 2010 |publisher=ElectionsNZ}}

For the first nine years of Hipkins' parliamentary career, Labour formed the Official Opposition. Hipkins' maiden speech set out his interest in education policy. In his first term, Hipkins was the Labour spokesperson for internal affairs and a member of parliamentary committees for government administration, local government and environment, and transport and infrastructure.{{cite web |title=Hipkins, Chris |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/hipkins-chris/ |at=Former Roles |website=www.parliament.nz |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=22 January 2023 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028102337/https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/hipkins-chris/ |url-status=live }}

In May 2010, his Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill was drawn from the member's ballot.{{cite web |title=Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill |url=http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Legislation/Bills/1/f/3/00DBHOH_BILL9883_1-Electricity-Renewable-Preference-Amendment-Bill.htm |access-date=6 May 2010 |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |archive-date=27 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527235638/http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Legislation/Bills/1/f/3/00DBHOH_BILL9883_1-Electricity-Renewable-Preference-Amendment-Bill.htm |url-status=live }} The bill would have reinstated a ban on the thermal generation of electricity which had been imposed by the previous Labour Government in September 2008 before being repealed by the incoming National Government in December 2008,{{Cite web |title=Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill 150-1 (2010), Members Bill – New Zealand Legislation |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/member/2010/0150/latest/whole.html |access-date=21 January 2023 |website=www.legislation.govt.nz |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121040545/https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/member/2010/0150/latest/whole.html |url-status=live }} but was defeated at its first reading in June.

During the 2011 general election, Hipkins retained the Rimutaka electorate by an increased margin of 3,286 votes.{{Cite web |last=Commission |first=New Zealand Electoral |title=Official Count Results – Rimutaka |url=http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2011/electorate-43.html |access-date=26 September 2017 |website=www.electionresults.govt.nz |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019065607/http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2011/electorate-43.html |url-status=live }}

In Hipkins' second term, he was promoted into Labour's shadow Cabinet as spokesperson for state services and education under new leader, David Shearer. He also became the Labour Party's chief whip for the first time. As education spokesperson, Hipkins was outspoken in his opposition to the National Government's implementation of charter schools in New ZealandHipkins, Chris (14 October 2015). [https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/51HansS_20151014_00001032/hipkins-chris-education-charter-schools-curriculum Education (Charter Schools Curriculum) Amendment Bill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121202023/https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/51HansS_20151014_00001032/hipkins-chris-education-charter-schools-curriculum |date=21 January 2023 }}. Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). Volume:709; Page:7224. Retrieved 22 January 2023. and closure of schools in Christchurch following the destructive 2011 earthquake.{{cite news |title=Schools plan to rally against closures |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/christchurch-schools-to-rally-against-closures/DM4T66JHER6LLOPW7GNA4IIBXM/ |access-date=21 January 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=18 February 2013 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121202021/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/christchurch-schools-to-rally-against-closures/DM4T66JHER6LLOPW7GNA4IIBXM/ |url-status=live }} Hipkins continued as education spokesperson under Shearer's successor, David Cunliffe.

In April 2013, Hipkins voted in favour of the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill, which legalised same-sex marriage in New Zealand.{{cite news |title=Gay marriage: How MPs voted – New Zealand News |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gay-marriage-how-mps-voted/WLPKK4734FBZEKJIDHBFO4MWFA/ |access-date=22 January 2023 |work=New Zealand Herald |date=17 April 2023 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121150909/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gay-marriage-how-mps-voted/WLPKK4734FBZEKJIDHBFO4MWFA/ |url-status=live }}

During the 2014 general election, Hipkins retained Rimutaka by a margin of 6,664 votes.{{cite web |title=Election Results – Rimutaka |url=http://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2014/electorate-44.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=21 March 2015 |archive-date=13 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113203255/http://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2014/electorate-44.html |url-status=live }} In his third term, Hipkins continued as education spokesperson and additionally served as shadow leader of the House under leaders Andrew Little and Ardern.

In late 2015, Hipkins received veiled threats, including a death threat, for voicing his concerns about a billboard advertising "cut-price" guns.{{cite news |last1=Crayton-Brown |first1=Blake |title=MP Chris Hipkins defiant over Gun City billboard in Taita, despite death threat |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/hutt-valley/74563658/mp-chris-hipkins-defiant-over-gun-city-billboard-in-taita-despite-death-threat |access-date=22 January 2023 |work=The Dominion Post |date=3 December 2015 |language=en |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120224200/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/hutt-valley/74563658/mp-chris-hipkins-defiant-over-gun-city-billboard-in-taita-despite-death-threat |url-status=live }}

In April 2016, his Education (Charter Schools Abolition) Amendment Bill was drawn from the members' ballot. It was defeated at its first reading in November.{{cite web |title=Education (Charter Schools Abolition) Amendment Bill |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/00DBHOH_BILL68842_1/education-charter-schools-abolition-amendment-bill |access-date=3 July 2020 |website=New Zealand Parliament |archive-date=4 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704225211/https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/00DBHOH_BILL68842_1/education-charter-schools-abolition-amendment-bill |url-status=live }}

As a senior Labour MP, Hipkins was a key figure in the Sixth Labour Government. Between 2017 and 2023, he was the sixth-ranked Government minister from the Labour Party and he was assigned responsibilities as minister of education, minister for the public service and leader of the House. He was later looked upon as a "fixer," and was given additional responsibility as minister of health and minister for COVID-19 response during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, and later as minister of police during a spate of ram-raids.{{cite news |last1=Manch |first1=Thomas |title=Education Minister Chris Hipkins shunted into health job as David Clark resigns |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/122014446/education-minister-chris-hipkins-shunted-into-health-job-as-david-clark-resigns |access-date=2 July 2020 |work=Stuff |date=2 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702045919/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/122014446/education-minister-chris-hipkins-shunted-into-health-job-as-david-clark-resigns |archive-date=2 July 2020}}{{cite web |title=Ministerial List for Announcement on Monday |url=https://dpmc.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2020-11/ministerial-list-2-nov-2020.pdf |publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet |access-date=4 November 2020 |date=2 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103122141/https://dpmc.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2020-11/ministerial-list-2-nov-2020.pdf|archive-date=3 November 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |first=Thomas |last=Manch |title=Labour's new Cabinet – who's in, who's out, as Trevor Mallard and Kris Faafoi resign |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/128950128/labours-new-cabinet--whos-in-whos-out-as-trevor-mallard-and-kris-faafoi-resign |date=13 June 2022 |access-date=13 June 2022 |work=Stuff |language=en-NZ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615063715/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/128950128/labours-new-cabinet--whos-in-whos-out-as-trevor-mallard-and-kris-faafoi-resign|archive-date=15 June 2022|url-status=live}}

During the 2017 general election, Hipkins retained the Rimutaka electorate by a margin of 8,609 votes.{{cite web |title=Rimutaka – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/electorate-details-44.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123160323/https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/electorate-details-44.html |archive-date=23 January 2023 |date=3 November 2023 |url-status=live}}

Hipkins was elected as a Cabinet minister by the Labour's formation of a coalition government with New Zealand First and the Greens.{{cite web|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/342022/video-who-s-in-who-s-out|access-date=20 October 2017|title=Who's in? Who's out?|date=20 October 2017|work=Radio NZ |archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720165721/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/342022/ardern-vows-to-improve-cabinet-gender-balance|url-status=live}} It was later announced that he would serve as minister for education.{{Cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98157752/jacinda-ardern-releases-cabinet-lineup|title=Jacinda Ardern releases Cabinet lineup|website=Stuff |date=24 October 2017|access-date=25 October 2017|archive-date=25 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025000242/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98157752/jacinda-ardern-releases-cabinet-lineup|url-status=live}}

File:Chris Hipkins in 2018 at NZEI Te Riu Roa strike rally.jpeg strike rally outside Parliament House, 15 August 2018]]

As education minister, Hipkins has supported the abolition of National Standards and charter schools in New Zealand, which were supported by the previous National Government. He has also signaled a review of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) high school certificate system. However, Hipkins has clarified that the Ministry of Education would continue to fund the University of Otago's National Monitoring Study of Student Achievement and the Progress and Consistency Tool (PaCT). The Government's announcement that it would close charter schools drew criticism from the opposition National and ACT parties.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Simon |title=Labour's education plans revealed: Primary school league tables axed, big NCEA shakeup |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11937975 |access-date=20 March 2019 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=30 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816194531/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11937975 |archive-date=16 August 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Moir |first1=Jo |title=Education minister to review all charter schools after threatening some with closure |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/98605807/education-minister-to-review-all-charter-schools-after-threatening-some-with-closure |access-date=20 March 2019 |work=Stuff |date=6 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120210212/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/98605807/education-minister-to-review-all-charter-schools-after-threatening-some-with-closure |archive-date=20 January 2019 |url-status=live }} In early 2018, Hipkins introduced legislation preventing the creation of new charter schools, while enabling existing charter schools to be converted into special character schools.{{cite news|title=Charter schools: Minister has a fight on his hands |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/350063/charter-schools-minister-has-a-fight-on-his-hands|access-date=8 March 2018|publisher=Radio New Zealand|date=12 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813210640/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/349965/early-end-on-cards-for-charter-schools|archive-date=13 August 2018|url-status=live}} By September 2018, all twelve charter schools had successfully transitioned to become state-integrated and special character schools.{{cite news |last1=Bracewell-Worrall |first1=Anna |title=All NZ charter schools now approved to become state integrated |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/09/all-nz-charter-schools-now-approved-to-become-state-integrated.html |access-date=20 March 2019 |publisher=Newshub |date=17 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207143557/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/09/all-nz-charter-schools-now-approved-to-become-state-integrated.html |archive-date=7 December 2018 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Simon |title=Charter school hold-outs approved as state schools |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12115009 |access-date=20 March 2019 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=28 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104133350/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12115009 |archive-date=4 January 2019 |url-status=live }}

In December 2018, Hipkins rejected a recommendation by the Council of Victoria University of Wellington to rename the university "University of Wellington", citing the strong opposition to the name change from staff, students, and alumni. Hipkins said that "he was not convinced the university had sufficiently engaged with stakeholders, who should have their views considered."{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=Jessica |last2=Williams |first2=Katarina |title=Victoria University of Wellington name change rejected by Minister |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/109441495/victoria-university-of-wellington-name-change-rejected-by-minister |access-date=21 March 2019 |work=Stuff |date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305132935/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/109441495/victoria-university-of-wellington-name-change-rejected-by-minister |archive-date=5 March 2019}}{{cite news |title=Victoria University of Wellington name change declined by education minister |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/378534/victoria-university-of-wellington-name-change-declined-by-education-minister |access-date=21 March 2019 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=18 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131165534/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/378534/victoria-university-of-wellington-name-change-declined-by-education-minister|archive-date=31 January 2019}}

In February 2019, Hipkins proposed merging the country's 16 polytechnics into a New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology to counter deficits and declining domestic enrolments. This proposed Institute of Skills and Technology will also take over the country's vocational and apprenticeship programmes. While the Tertiary Education Union, Employers and Manufacturers Union, and the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce have expressed support for the Government's proposal, this has been criticised by the opposition National Party, Southern Institute of Technology CEO Penny Simmonds, and Mayor of Invercargill Tim Shadbolt.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Simon |title=Polytechnic mega-merger will take over apprentices and industry trainees |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12203337 |access-date=15 February 2019 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=13 February 2019 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215161440/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12203337 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Hunt |first1=Tom |last2=Richmond |first2=Adele |title=Government proposes merging 16 polytechnics and technology institutes into single entity |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/110554835/government-proposes-merging-16-polytechnics-in-major-overhaul-of-vocation-education |access-date=15 February 2019 |work=Stuff |date=14 February 2019 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215215707/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/110554835/government-proposes-merging-16-polytechnics-in-major-overhaul-of-vocation-education |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Stolley |first1=Giordano |title=Hostile southern reception for Hipkins |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/hostile-southern-reception-hipkins |access-date=21 March 2019 |work=Otago Daily Times |date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321031245/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/hostile-southern-reception-hipkins |archive-date=21 March 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Savory |first1=Logan |title=Education Minister Chris Hipkins grilled by concerned Southern Institute of Technology backers |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/110963239/education-minister-chris-hipkins-speaks-to-concerned-southern-institute-of-technology-staff |access-date=21 March 2019 |work=Stuff |date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301054211/https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/110963239/education-minister-chris-hipkins-speaks-to-concerned-southern-institute-of-technology-staff |archive-date=1 March 2019}} In response to the Christchurch mosque shootings, Hipkins extended the polytechnic submission timeframe to 5 April 2019.{{cite news |date=20 March 2019 |title=Education Minister Chris Hipkins extends polytechnic submission timeframe |work=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/111430734/education-minister-chris-hipkins-extends-polytechnic-sumbission-timeframe |access-date=21 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215074843/https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/111430734/education-minister-chris-hipkins-extends-polytechnic-sumbission-timeframe |archive-date=15 February 2023}}

In early May 2019, Hipkins announced that the Government would be investing NZ$95 million to train 2,400 new teacher trainees through increased scholarships and placements, new employment-based teacher education programmes, and iwi-based scholarships over the next four years to address the teaching shortage. These measures were criticised as inadequate by the Post Primary Teachers' Association and National Party education spokesperson Nikki Kaye.{{cite news |last1=Kirk |first1=Stacey |last2=Cooke |first2=Henry |title=Budget 2019: Government pours $95 million over four years into teaching resources |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/112397252/budget-2019-government-hopes-to-pour-95-million-over-four-years-into-teaching-resources |access-date=3 May 2019 |work=Stuff |date=2 May 2019 |archive-date=3 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503105052/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/112397252/budget-2019-government-hopes-to-pour-95-million-over-four-years-into-teaching-resources |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Derek |title=$95 million in Budget package for thousands of new teachers |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12227095 |access-date=3 May 2019 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=2 May 2019 |archive-date=3 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503034407/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12227095 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Small |first1=Zane |title=Budget 2019: Government sets aside $95 million to hire more teachers |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/05/budget-2019-government-sets-aside-95-million-to-boost-education-workforce.html |access-date=3 May 2019 |publisher=Newshub |date=2 May 2019 |archive-date=3 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503045457/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/05/budget-2019-government-sets-aside-95-million-to-boost-education-workforce.html |url-status=dead }}

On 1 August 2019, Hipkins reaffirmed the Government's plan to merge all polytechnics into a single entity in April 2020.{{cite news |title=Government confirms polytechnics will merge as single entity in 2020 |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/08/government-confirms-polytechnics-will-merge-as-single-entity-in-2020.html |access-date=26 April 2020 |date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901020840/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/08/government-confirms-polytechnics-will-merge-as-single-entity-in-2020.html |url-status=dead }} In addition, he announced that the Government would replace all 11 industrial training organisations (ITOs) with between four and seven workforce development councils that would be set up by 2022 to influence vocational education and training. While polytechnics have been cautiously optimistic about the changes despite concerns about losing their autonomy, ITOs and National's tertiary education spokesperson Shane Reti have opposed these changes, claiming they would damage the vocational training system and cause job losses.{{cite news |last1=Gerritsen |first1=John |title=Government confirms major overhaul of polytechnics, apprenticeships |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/395722/government-confirms-major-overhaul-of-polytechnics-apprenticeships |access-date=2 August 2019 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801041522/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/395722/government-confirms-major-overhaul-of-polytechnics-apprenticeships |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Small |first1=Zane |last2=Macdonald |first2=Laura |title=Government confirms polytechnics will merge as single entity in 2020 |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/08/government-confirms-polytechnics-will-merge-as-single-entity-in-2020.html |access-date=2 August 2019 |publisher=Newshub |date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801222100/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/08/government-confirms-polytechnics-will-merge-as-single-entity-in-2020.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last1=Devlin |first1=Collette |title=16 institutes of technology and polytechnics being replaced by one mega polytech |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/114669124/16-institutes-of-technology-and-polytechnics-being-replaced-by-one-mega-polytech |access-date=2 August 2019 |work=Stuff |date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801142818/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/114669124/16-institutes-of-technology-and-polytechnics-being-replaced-by-one-mega-polytech |url-status=live }} By 2022, the merger began to strike difficulties including low enrolments, large deficits and resignations of senior staff.{{Cite news |last=Ward |first=Stephen |date=27 July 2022 |title=Minister rules out Te Pukenga commissioner 'at his time' |work=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/300647698/minister-rules-out-te-pkenga-commissioner-at-this-time |access-date=23 August 2022 |archive-date=21 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821030446/https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/300647698/minister-rules-out-te-pkenga-commissioner-at-this-time |url-status=live }}

Following the resignation of David Clark as minister of health on 2 July 2020, Prime Minister Ardern appointed Hipkins as interim health minister, serving until the October 2020 general election.{{cite news |last1=Molyneux |first1=Vita |title=Why Jacinda Ardern chose Chris Hipkins as temporary Health Minister |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/why-jacinda-ardern-chose-chris-hipkins-as-temporary-health-minister.html |access-date=2 July 2020 |work=Newshub |date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702050204/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/why-jacinda-ardern-chose-chris-hipkins-as-temporary-health-minister.html|archive-date=2 July 2020}}

Hipkins retained his seat, now known as Remutaka, during the 2020 general election, with a total of 20,497 votes.{{cite web |title=Remutaka – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-42.html |access-date=12 November 2020 |publisher=Electoral Commission|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017212909/https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-42.html|archive-date=17 October 2023|url-status=live}}

In early November 2020, Hipkins retained his education portfolio. He was also designated as minister for COVID-19 response and minister for the Public Service. As Minister of COVID-19 response, Hipkins instituted the wearing of face masks on public transportation and domestic flights in November 2020, pre-departure test requirements for overseas travellers in January 2021, border restrictions for high risk countries in April 2021, and with alert level restrictions in Auckland in August 2021 amid COVID-19 Delta variant.{{cite news |last1=Deguara |first1=Brittney |title=Covid-19: Who needs to wear a face mask on public transport? The new rules, explained |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/123411995/covid19-who-needs-to-wear-a-face-mask-on-public-transport-the-new-rules-explained |access-date=12 April 2023 |work=Stuff |date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116082139/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/123411995/covid19-who-needs-to-wear-a-face-mask-on-public-transport-the-new-rules-explained |archive-date=16 November 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Covid-19: Pre-departure test extended to all passengers from next week |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/123988930/covid19-predeparture-test-extended-to-all-passengers-from-next-week |access-date=12 April 2023 |work=Stuff |date=19 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119095114/https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/123988930/covid19-predeparture-test-extended-to-all-passengers-from-next-week |archive-date=19 January 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=New 'very high risk' category for countries with high Covid-19 numbers |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/441078/new-very-high-risk-category-for-countries-with-high-covid-19-numbers |access-date=12 April 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423002415/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/441078/new-very-high-risk-category-for-countries-with-high-covid-19-numbers |archive-date=23 April 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Yeoman |first1=Scott |title=Level 3 zone in Waikato extended as five new community cases of Covid-19 confirmed |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300424153/level-3-zone-in-waikato-extended-as-five-new-community-cases-of-covid19-confirmed |access-date=12 April 2023 |work=Stuff |date=7 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007215804/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300424153/level-3-zone-in-waikato-extended-as-five-new-community-cases-of-covid19-confirmed |archive-date=7 October 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Northern part of Northland to move to alert level 3 – Hipkins |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/454770/northern-part-of-northland-to-move-to-alert-level-3-hipkins |access-date=12 April 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102095140/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/454770/northern-part-of-northland-to-move-to-alert-level-3-hipkins |archive-date=2 November 2021|url-status=live}} In addition, Hipkins oversaw the launch of the Government's "My Vaccine Pass" vaccine certificate in November 2021, the national vaccination rollout, and the passage of the COVID-19 Response (Vaccinations) Legislation Act 2021, which provided the legal framework for the Government's vaccine mandate.{{cite news |title=Official Covid-19 vaccine certificate to go live |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/455875/official-covid-19-vaccine-certificate-to-go-live |access-date=12 April 2023|work=Radio New Zealand |date=16 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117022429/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/455875/official-covid-19-vaccine-certificate-to-go-live |archive-date=17 November 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Covid-19 Omicron: Chris Hipkins reveals decision on borders, boosters amid Omicron threat |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/covid-19-omicron-chris-hipkins-reveals-decision-on-borders-boosters-amid-omicron-threat/LL74FZVZ5RESSZ5AM4P5K73ZSU/ |access-date=12 April 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408085039/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/covid-19-omicron-chris-hipkins-reveals-decision-on-borders-boosters-amid-omicron-threat/LL74FZVZ5RESSZ5AM4P5K73ZSU/|archive-date=8 April 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Mandate legislation pushed through Parliament amid fierce opposition |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/456455/mandate-legislation-pushed-through-parliament-amid-fierce-opposition |access-date=12 April 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=24 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124104338/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/456455/mandate-legislation-pushed-through-parliament-amid-fierce-opposition |archive-date=24 November 2021|url-status=live}}

On 22 August 2021, Hipkins made a comment that attracted controversy and humour when he misspoke during a press conference; encouraging New Zealanders to get tested for COVID-19, he inadvertently urged New Zealanders to socially distance when they go outside to "spread their legs".{{cite news |last1=Corlett |first1=Eva |title='Spread your legs': New Zealand makes hay with Covid minister's gaffe |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/23/spread-your-legs-new-zealand-makes-hay-with-covid-ministers-gaffe |access-date=18 March 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=23 August 2021 |archive-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204043906/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/23/spread-your-legs-new-zealand-makes-hay-with-covid-ministers-gaffe |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Hipkins' slip of the tongue gives Kiwis 'something to laugh about' |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2021/08/22/hipkins-slip-of-the-tongue-gives-kiwis-something-to-laugh-about/ |access-date=18 March 2023 |work=1News |date=22 August 2021 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317232225/https://www.1news.co.nz/2021/08/22/hipkins-slip-of-the-tongue-gives-kiwis-something-to-laugh-about/ |url-status=live }} Commentators suggested that he meant to say, "stretch your legs."{{cite web |last1=Kuiper |first1=Koenraad |title=Covid-19: Let's cut Chris Hipkins slack for 'spread their legs' gaffe |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/126190845/covid19-lets-cut-chris-hipkins-slack-for-spread-their-legs-gaffe |website=Stuff |access-date=18 March 2023 |language=en-NZ |date=30 August 2021 |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317230733/https://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/126190845/covid19-lets-cut-chris-hipkins-slack-for-spread-their-legs-gaffe |url-status=live }}

In mid-January 2022, in his capacity as minister for COVID-19 response, Hipkins postponed the next MIQ lottery due to a tenfold increase in imported Omicron cases entering New Zealand.{{cite news |title=Government postpones next MIQ lottery due to spike of Omicron cases at the border |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/459786/government-postpones-next-miq-lottery-due-to-spike-of-omicron-cases-at-border |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=18 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120014135/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/459786/government-postpones-next-miq-lottery-due-to-spike-of-omicron-cases-at-border|archive-date=20 January 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=McClure |first1=Tess |title=New Zealand closes borders to new arrivals over 'unprecedented' Omicron risk |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/19/new-zealand-closes-borders-to-new-arrivals-over-unprecedented-omicron-risk |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=19 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119220858/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/19/new-zealand-closes-borders-to-new-arrivals-over-unprecedented-omicron-risk |archive-date=19 January 2022|url-status=live}} The Government's decision was criticised by Grounded Kiwis member and Australian–based expatriate Maxine Strydom who stated that many New Zealand expatriates were facing emotional and metal stress due to travel restrictions, expiring visas and job losses. Meanwhile, health economist Professor Paula Lorgelly rationalised the postponement of the MIQ lottery as "a short-term pain for what I perceive to be quite a long-term gain."

On 31 January 2022, Hipkins, in his capacity as minister for COVID-19 response, issued a statement that the Government had offered stranded New Zealand journalist Charlotte Bellis a place under the emergency allocation criteria to travel to New Zealand within a period of 14 days. However, he also claimed that Bellis had indicated that she did not intend to travel until late February and that MIQ had advised her to consider moving her travel plans forward. He also confirmed that New Zealand consular assistance had earlier twice offered to help her return from Afghanistan in December 2021. Bellis was an Al Jazeera journalist who, after becoming pregnant, had left Qatar owing to the Gulf state's law criminalising unmarried pregnancies. Bellis had travelled to Afghanistan where she and her partner had visas allowing them to live there. Due to New Zealand's strict pandemic border policies, Bellis had struggled to secure a place in the Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) system.{{cite news |last1=Corlett |first1=Eva |title=New Zealand defends strict Covid quarantine after pregnant journalist 'had to turn to Taliban' for help |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/31/charlotte-bellis-new-zealand-defends-miq-strict-quarantine-pregnant-journalist-help-taliban |access-date=1 February 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=31 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131103037/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/31/charlotte-bellis-new-zealand-defends-miq-strict-quarantine-pregnant-journalist-help-taliban |archive-date=31 January 2022|url-status=live}}

Hipkins was criticised by Bellis' lawyer Tudor Clee for allegedly breaching her client's privacy by sharing personal details about her circumstances and indicated that she was considering "legal options." In response, Bellis stated that she did not give Hipkins consent to share her information and disputed the facts in his statement. MPs Chris Bishop and David Seymour, from National and ACT respectively, also criticised Hipkins' actions, stating that they were "unbecoming" of a minister of the Crown.{{cite news |last1=Neilson |first1=Michael |title=Covid 19 Omicron: Pregnant Kiwi journalist Charlotte Bellis considering legal options after Chris Hipkins' alleged privacy breach |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-pregnant-kiwi-journalist-charlotte-bellis-considering-legal-options-after-chris-hipkins-alleged-privacy-breach/W6WRTU4D3X5WV5Z43AFRZME6W4/ |access-date=1 February 2022 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=1 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201034114/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-pregnant-kiwi-journalist-charlotte-bellis-considering-legal-options-after-chris-hipkins-alleged-privacy-breach/W6WRTU4D3X5WV5Z43AFRZME6W4/ |archive-date=1 February 2022|url-status=live}} On 22 June 2022, Hipkins publicly apologised for releasing personal information without Bellis' consent and making inaccurate comments about Bellis travelling to Afghanistan and being offered consular assistance. As a result, Bellis and her partner Jim Huylebroek received online abuse. Hipkins had earlier privately apologised to Bellis in mid-March 2022.{{cite news |last1=Neilson |first1=Michael |title=Covid 19 Omicron: Chris Hipkins formally apologises over Charlotte Bellis emergency MIQ saga |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-chris-hipkins-formally-apologises-over-charlotte-bellis-emergency-miq-saga/DX35AVZARU5RPUFTFUKDCNMK5A/# |access-date=23 June 2022 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=22 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622020718/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-chris-hipkins-formally-apologises-over-charlotte-bellis-emergency-miq-saga/DX35AVZARU5RPUFTFUKDCNMK5A/ |archive-date=22 June 2022|url-status=live}}

Throughout the spring of 2022, Hipkins, as minister of COVID-19 response, oversaw the easing of several COVID-19 mitigation policies including the isolation requirements for positive cases and contacts, vaccination and vaccine pass requirements for school-age children, MIQ isolation hotels, the COVID-19 Protection Framework, and border isolation requirements.{{cite news |title=Isolation length to be shortened for Covid cases and contacts |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/03/09/isolation-length-to-be-shortened-for-covid-cases-and-contacts/ |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=1News |date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309210225/https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/03/09/isolation-length-to-be-shortened-for-covid-cases-and-contacts/ |archive-date=9 March 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Witton |first1=Bridie |title=Covid-19: Unvaccinated children can take part in sport and school-based activities under phase 3 |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127886379/covid19-unvaccinated-children-can-take-part-in-sport-and-schoolbased-activities-under-phase-3 |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=Stuff |date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225173928/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127886379/covid19-unvaccinated-children-can-take-part-in-sport-and-schoolbased-activities-under-phase-3 |archive-date=25 February 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Kelvin |title=MIQ closure: Only four hotels left by end of June |url=https://www.teaomaori.news/miq-closure-only-four-hotels-left-end-june |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=Te Ao Maori News |publisher=Maori Television |date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318133325/https://www.teaomaori.news/miq-closure-only-four-hotels-left-end-june |archive-date=18 March 2022|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=13 April 2022 |title=Covid-19 Omicron outbreak: Orange for Easter! NZ to move to new traffic light setting from midnight; 9495 new community cases |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-outbreak-orange-for-easter-nz-to-move-to-new-traffic-light-setting-from-midnight-9495-new-community-cases/TJNOKAJIBCCK5NZADZYKOY2B2Y/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413024615/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-outbreak-orange-for-easter-nz-to-move-to-new-traffic-light-setting-from-midnight-9495-new-community-cases/TJNOKAJIBCCK5NZADZYKOY2B2Y/ |archive-date=13 April 2022 |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=New Zealand Herald}}{{cite news |title=MIQ exemption extended to more unvaccinated, including Australians |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466356/miq-exemption-extended-to-more-unvaccinated-including-australians |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503030731/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466356/miq-exemption-extended-to-more-unvaccinated-including-australians |archive-date=3 May 2022|url-status=live}} In early May 2022, Hipkins acknowledged that the New Zealand Government was spending NZ$10 million a month paying COVID-19 contact tracers despite phasing out contact tracing several months earlier. He stated that the contact tracers were supporting people with COVID-19 in the community. In response, ACT leader Seymour criticised the Government's decision to continuing funding contact tracing services as a waste of taxpayer money.{{cite news |title=Govt still spending $10m a month on contact tracers |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/05/03/govt-still-spending-10m-a-month-on-contact-tracers/ |access-date=4 May 2022 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503085357/https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/05/03/govt-still-spending-10m-a-month-on-contact-tracers/ |archive-date=3 May 2022|url-status=live}}

In a June 2022 reshuffle, Hipkins was shifted from his COVID-19 response portfolio and replaced Poto Williams as minister of police.

In September 2022, Hipkins apologised to former Finance Minister Bill English for suggesting that he had granted his brothers favourable government contracts. Hipkins had made those remarks during an exchange over the awarding of government contracts to Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta's husband Gannin Ormsby.{{cite news |last1=Manch |first1=Thomas |title=Chris Hipkins apologises to Bill English for dragging family into debate |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/129959240/chris-hipkins-apologises-to-bill-english-for-dragging-family-into-debate |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=Stuff |date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923111516/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/129959240/chris-hipkins-apologises-to-bill-english-for-dragging-family-into-debate |archive-date=23 September 2022|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Chris Hipkins: From Head Boy to Prime Minister|website=Radio New Zealand|date=21 January 2023|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/482831/chris-hipkins-from-head-boy-to-prime-minister|access-date=21 January 2023|archive-date=20 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120221546/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/482831/chris-hipkins-from-head-boy-to-prime-minister|url-status=live}}

In mid-October 2022, Hipkins, acting on behalf of COVID-19 response minister Verrall, announced that the Government would scrap several of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020's provisions including lockdown and MIQ restrictions, border closures, vaccine passes and mandates. The Government however opted to retain the Act's provisions for seven-day isolation periods, mask use and border entry requirements until Parliament passed general pandemic legislation. Hipkins also announced that the Government had revoked the Epidemic Notice, signalling a shift from emergency management to long-term management of COVID-19.{{cite news |last1=Daalder |first1=Marc |title=Lockdowns scrapped, but seven-day isolation to stay as Ardern seeks balanced response |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/seven-day-isolation-to-stay-as-ardern-seeks-balanced-response |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=Newsroom |date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017204822/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/seven-day-isolation-to-stay-as-ardern-seeks-balanced-response |archive-date=17 October 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Covid-19 response: Vaccine mandates, MIQ and lockdowns set to be scrapped |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/476883/covid-19-response-vaccine-mandates-miq-and-lockdowns-set-to-be-scrapped |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018071012/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/476883/covid-19-response-vaccine-mandates-miq-and-lockdowns-set-to-be-scrapped |archive-date=18 October 2022|url-status=live}} That same day, Hipkins confirmed that the Government would hold a Royal Commission of Inquiry into its COVID-19 responses.{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Russell |title=Government signals Covid-19 inquiry in the works |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/476919/government-signals-covid-19-inquiry-in-the-works |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018111526/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/476919/government-signals-covid-19-inquiry-in-the-works |archive-date=18 October 2022|url-status=live}}

{{Infobox administration

| image = File:Profile--chrishipkins-390x2-UNC.jpg

| image_size =

| name = Premiership of Chris Hipkins

| term_start = 25 January 2023

| term_end = 27 November 2023

| monarch = Charles III

| cabinet = Sixth Labour Government of New Zealand

| party = New Zealand Labour Party

| election =

| appointer = Cindy Kiro

| seat =

| predecessor = Jacinda Ardern

| successor = Christopher Luxon

| seal =

| seal_size =

| seal_caption =

| official_url =

}}

File:Hipkins and Sepuloni swearing in.jpg (left), after being sworn in as prime minister and deputy prime minister, respectively, by the governor-general, Dame Cindy Kiro, at Government House, Wellington, on 25 January 2023]]

On 19 January 2023, Jacinda Ardern unexpectedly announced her resignation as leader of the Labour Party in a media conference, stating that she "no longer had enough in the tank" to do the job. She indicated that she would formally step down no later than 7 February 2023.{{Cite news |last=McClure |first=Tess |date=19 January 2023 |title=Jacinda Ardern resigns as prime minister of New Zealand |location=Auckland |language=en |website=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/19/jacinda-ardern-resigns-as-prime-minister-of-new-zealand |access-date=19 January 2023 |archive-date=19 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119001531/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/19/jacinda-ardern-resigns-as-prime-minister-of-new-zealand |url-status=live }}{{Cite press release|title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces resignation|url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-announces-resignation|date=19 January 2023|access-date=19 January 2023|website=beehive.govt.nz|publisher=New Zealand Government|language=en|archive-date=19 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119002605/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-announces-resignation|url-status=live}}

Hipkins was confirmed as the only nominee shortly after nominations closed at 9:00 a.m. on 21 January.{{Cite news|last=Whyte |first=Luke Malpass and Anna |date=20 January 2023 |title=Chris Hipkins set to become New Zealand's next prime minister |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131030037/chris-hipkins-set-to-become-new-zealands-next-prime-minister |access-date=21 January 2023 |work=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121013532/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131030037/chris-hipkins-set-to-become-new-zealands-next-prime-minister |url-status=live }} Stuff reported that Kiritapu Allan, the East Coast MP and minister of justice who had been speculated by media as an alternative candidate, was one of the seven MPs who nominated him.{{Cite web |date=21 January 2023 |title=Live: Chris Hipkins set to be PM after being sole nomination for Labour leader |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300789158/live-chris-hipkins-set-to-be-pm-after-being-sole-nomination-for-labour-leader |access-date=21 January 2023 |website=Stuff |language=en |quote=A detail from the behind the scenes machinations here: Kiri Allan was among the seven MPs who nominated Chris Hipkins as a candidate for the party's leader position. |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121005753/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300789158/live-chris-hipkins-set-to-be-pm-after-being-sole-nomination-for-labour-leader |url-status=live }} Hipkins had previously demurred when asked about his leadership aspirations, stating that he would support whichever candidate the Labour Party could "reach a consensus" on.{{Cite news |title=Jacinda Ardern resignation: Chris Hipkins tells Newshub 'consensus' about new Labour leader would be 'far better for NZ' |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/01/jacinda-ardern-resignation-chris-hipkins-tells-newshub-consensus-about-new-labour-leader-would-be-far-better-for-nz.html |access-date=21 January 2023 |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121032317/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/01/jacinda-ardern-resignation-chris-hipkins-tells-newshub-consensus-about-new-labour-leader-would-be-far-better-for-nz.html |url-status=dead }} In a media standup outside Parliament at 1:00 p.m. on 21 January, Hipkins commented that he discovered he had emerged as that consensus candidate as "the door to the plane [that he had boarded for a flight to Wellington] was closing", leaving him unable to respond to his messages for 40 minutes.{{Cite web |title=Chris Hipkins on flight when he received leadership backing |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/21/chris-hipkins-on-flight-when-he-received-leadership-backing/ |access-date=21 January 2023 |website=1 News |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121021518/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/21/chris-hipkins-on-flight-when-he-received-leadership-backing/ |url-status=live }} The formal meeting to confirm Hipkins as leader was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on 22 January 2023.

Hipkins was sworn in as prime minister by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro on 25 January 2023.{{cite news |last1=Neilson |first1=Michael |last2=Pearse |first2=Adam |last3=Coughlan |first3=Thomas |title=Chris Hipkins sworn in as Prime Minister, Carmel Sepuloni as deputy, Jacinda Ardern vacates top job |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-sworn-in-as-prime-minister-carmel-sepuloni-as-deputy-jacinda-ardern-vacates-top-job/IERZGZV2BFAE5AWLNJHMMGHYQ4/ |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=25 January 2023 |access-date=25 January 2023 |language=en-NZ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127151001/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-sworn-in-as-prime-minister-carmel-sepuloni-as-deputy-jacinda-ardern-vacates-top-job/IERZGZV2BFAE5AWLNJHMMGHYQ4/|archive-date=27 January 2023|url-status=live}} His deputy prime minister was Carmel Sepuloni, the first Pasifika to hold the position. Upon taking office, Hipkins addressed the cost of living, saying that New Zealanders will "absolutely see in the coming weeks and months the cost of living is right at the heart of our work program", and declared it his "absolute priority".{{Cite news |date=25 January 2023 |title=Chris Hipkins says cost of living is 'absolute priority' as he becomes New Zealand prime minister |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/25/chris-hipkins-sworn-in-as-new-zealand-prime-minister-nz-pm |access-date=25 January 2023 |work=The Guardian |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127190947/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/25/chris-hipkins-sworn-in-as-new-zealand-prime-minister-nz-pm|archive-date=27 January 2023|url-status=live}} He indicated that Labour would postpone some of its new projects until after the election to focus on the economy. Politically, he has been cited as a centrist.{{cite news |last= Malpass |first= Luke |date= 30 March 2023 |title= Chris Hipkins' delicate balancing acts over Stuart Nash scandal, and the 'white cis men' |url= https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131626253/chris-hipkins-delicate-balancing-acts-over-stuart-nash-scandal-and-the-white-cis-men |work=Stuff |access-date= 23 April 2023}}

On 26 January, Hipkins met several Auckland business leaders at a roundtable event hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber, led by former National MP Simon Bridges. During the meeting, Hipkins affirmed his Government's commitment to pursuing a constructive relationship with businesses, citing their importance to the New Zealand economy. Hipkins also confirmed that business representatives had given the Government feedback on several policy areas including skills shortages. Hipkins also stated that businesses supported the Government's apprenticeship boost, which created opportunities for them.{{Cite news |date=26 January 2023 |title=Prime Minister Chris Hipkins meets Auckland business leaders as Government charm offensive begins|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-meets-business-leaders-as-government-charm-offensive-begins/LNYDS5EC5VHB5LP2S6TYH7QPXU/ |access-date=26 January 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128170532/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-meets-business-leaders-as-government-charm-offensive-begins/LNYDS5EC5VHB5LP2S6TYH7QPXU/|archive-date=28 January 2023|url-status=live}} Earlier, several small business owners including Kiwi Kai business owner Reni Gargiulo, Air Milford CEO Hank Sproull, Christchurch pharmacy owner Annabel Turley, Saint Andrews Dairy Dhaval Amin, and Grownup Donuts owner Daniel Black had called on Hipkins' Government to address various issues including staffing shortages, immigration work visa policies, youth crime, and inflation. In addition, Ashburton dairy farmer Nick Gier called on the Government to scrap the Three Waters reform programme and carbon emissions taxes on the agricultural sector.{{cite news |last1=Gibbens |first1=Krystal |last2=Crimp |first2=Lauren |title=Small businesses offer Chris Hipkins advice: 'Take some of the pain off' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/483118/small-businesses-offer-chris-hipkins-advice-take-some-of-the-pain-off |access-date=26 January 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=26 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128100745/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/483118/small-businesses-offer-chris-hipkins-advice-take-some-of-the-pain-off|archive-date=28 January 2023|url-status=live}}

Hipkins was faced almost immediately with the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods. The flash flooding began on 27 January 2023, and saw an entire summer's worth of rain fall within just a day.{{Cite news |last=Frost |first=Natasha |date=27 January 2023 |title=Rain Batters New Zealand's Largest City, Causing Major Flooding |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/27/world/asia/auckland-new-zealand-rain-floods.html |access-date=28 January 2023 |issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128070819/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/27/world/asia/auckland-new-zealand-rain-floods.html|archive-date=28 January 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins speaks on catastrophic floods in Auckland |work=Sky News |date=28 January 2023 |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/global-affairs/new-zealand-prime-minister-chris-hipkins-speaks-on-catastrophic-floods-in-auckland/video/c2b2c14cea0f0ca886f4497e77faf438 |language=en |access-date=30 January 2023 |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130144235/https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/global-affairs/new-zealand-prime-minister-chris-hipkins-speaks-on-catastrophic-floods-in-auckland/video/c2b2c14cea0f0ca886f4497e77faf438 |url-status=live }} On 28 January, Hipkins and Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty visited Auckland to liaise with emergency services, reassure affected constituents, and assess the damage.{{Cite news |date=28 January 2023 |title=Live updates on Auckland flooding: PM Hipkins on way to assess damage |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/483231/live-updates-on-auckland-flooding-pm-hipkins-on-way-to-assess-damage |access-date=29 January 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |language=en-nz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128081613/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/483231/live-updates-on-auckland-flooding-pm-hipkins-on-way-to-assess-damage|archive-date=28 January 2023|url-status=live}} Hipkins subsequently attended a press conference in West Auckland with MacAnulty, Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown, and Minister of Transport Michael Wood.{{Cite news |last=Niall |first=Todd |date=28 January 2023 |title=Analysis: Wayne Brown appears to have missed what a mayor's job is in a crisis |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300794530/analysis-wayne-brown-appears-to-have-missed-what-a-mayors-job-is-in-a-crisis |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=Stuff |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130093029/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300794530/analysis-wayne-brown-appears-to-have-missed-what-a-mayors-job-is-in-a-crisis|archive-date=30 January 2023|url-status=live}}

After Hipkins' ascension to the role of prime minister and his response to the recent floods, opinion polls saw his personal popularity and that of the Labour Party surge:{{Cite news |title=The polls are in and Chris Hipkins' and Labour's popularity is... |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-and-labour-popularity-soar-in-new-poll/XMNARUDIAJAIZBQFWNQX7ONVD4/ |date=30 January 2023 |access-date=20 January 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME |language=en-NZ |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130051133/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-and-labour-popularity-soar-in-new-poll/XMNARUDIAJAIZBQFWNQX7ONVD4/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=First poll results with Chris Hipkins as PM revealed |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/30/first-poll-results-with-chris-hipkins-as-pm-revealed/ |date=30 January 2023 |access-date=30 January 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130050311/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/30/first-poll-results-with-chris-hipkins-as-pm-revealed/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=National loses ground to Hipkins' Labour in two new polls |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/483348/national-loses-ground-to-hipkins-labour-in-two-new-polls |date=30 January 2023 |access-date=30 January 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |language=en-nz |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130051528/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/483348/national-loses-ground-to-hipkins-labour-in-two-new-polls |url-status=live }} a 1News–Kantar poll had Labour up 5 percentage points to 38, with National dropping one percentage point to 37; Hipkins also had a net approval of 36 points, with National Leader Christopher Luxon trailing on 9 points. Another poll conducted by Newshub–Reid Research had Labour up 5.7 points to 38, ahead of National, which fell 4.1 points, dropping to 36.6.{{cite news |last1=Lynch |first1=Jenna |title=Newshub-Reid Research Poll: Chris Hipkins is Labour's saviour but hung Parliament on cards for election 2023 |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/01/newshub-reid-research-poll-chris-hipkins-is-labour-s-saviour-but-hung-parliament-on-cards-for-election-2023.html |access-date=31 January 2023 |work=Newshub |publisher=Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand |date=30 January 2023 |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130225542/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/01/newshub-reid-research-poll-chris-hipkins-is-labour-s-saviour-but-hung-parliament-on-cards-for-election-2023.html |url-status=dead }}

In February 2023, Hipkins announced that several policies including the proposed TVNZ-RNZ merger and that a biofuel mandate requiring petrol and diesel to contain a certain percentage of biofuel from renewable resources would be scrapped. In addition, Hipkins confirmed that other policies including the social income insurance scheme, proposed hate speech legislation, and the Three Waters reform programme would be delayed or revised. In the end the hate speech legislation was deleyed and not talked about until in March 2024 when the policy was ordered to be scrapped by the newly in power NZ National Party.{{Cite web |title=National will oppose Labour's attack on free speech |url=https://www.national.org.nz/national_will_oppose_labour_s_attack_on_free_speech |access-date=2024-09-18 |website=New Zealand National Party |language=en}} While the Three Waters Reform programme was eventually passed and promised to be reformed in 2021 by the NZ Labour Party.{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2021 |title=Guaranteeing safe and affordable water for all New Zealanders |url=https://www.labour.org.nz/news_three-waters-reform-new-zealand_2021 |access-date=2024-09-18 |website=NZ Labour Party |language=en}} Hipkins also confirmed that the minimum wage would be raised from NZ$21.20 to NZ$22.70 an hour from 1 April 2023. In response to the recent North Island floods, Hipkins confirmed that the Government would invest NZ$3 million in discretionary flood recovery payments, NZ$1 million in supporting flood-affected businesses, and an additional NZ$1 million in mental health support.{{cite news |title=Watch: TVNZ/RNZ merger scrapped, income insurance and hate speech laws delayed |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/483875/watch-tvnz-rnz-merger-scrapped-income-insurance-and-hate-speech-laws-delayed |access-date=8 February 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208041638/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/483875/watch-tvnz-rnz-merger-scrapped-income-insurance-and-hate-speech-laws-delayed |archive-date=8 February 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Trafford |first1=Will |title=Minimum wage increased to tackle cost of living crisis |url=https://www.teaomaori.news/minimum-wage-increased-tackle-cost-living-crisis |access-date=8 February 2023 |work=Te Ao Maori News |publisher=Maori Television |date=8 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208091133/https://www.teaomaori.news/minimum-wage-increased-tackle-cost-living-crisis |archive-date=8 February 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Hu |first1=Justin |title=TVNZ-RNZ merger fully scrapped amid election year refocus |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/08/tvnz-rnz-merger-fully-scrapped-amid-election-year-refocus/ |access-date=9 February 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209002630/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/08/tvnz-rnz-merger-fully-scrapped-amid-election-year-refocus/|archive-date=9 February 2023|url-status=live}}

On 13 March, Hipkins announced that the Government would scrap several policies and reform programmes including legislation to lower the voting age to 16 years, the speed reduction programme except for the most dangerous 1% of highways, and the NZ$586 million Clean Car Upgrade programme. In addition, the Government announced that it would delay or revise several policies and programmes including proposed alcohol reforms, the container return scheme, public transportation including the Auckland Light Rail, and public consultation on a new test to determine the difference between contractors and employees. The Government would redirect funding to a NZ$2 billion to a welfare package to provide "bread and butter" support to 1.4 million New Zealanders affected by the ongoing "cost of living" crisis.{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=PM Chris Hipkins' policy bonfire turns to transport, speed limit changes |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-chris-hipkins-policy-bonfire-turns-to-transport-speed-limit-changes-expected-to-be-ditched/B3KZEZZEGFAMRNMJREI4TIHPQM/ |access-date=14 March 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313183624/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-chris-hipkins-policy-bonfire-turns-to-transport-speed-limit-changes-expected-to-be-ditched/B3KZEZZEGFAMRNMJREI4TIHPQM/ |archive-date=13 March 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=PM's policy bonfire: Voting age bill, transport schemes 'reprioritsed' |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/03/13/pms-policy-bonfire-voting-age-bill-transport-schemes-reprioritsed/ |access-date=14 March 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313035738/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/03/13/pms-policy-bonfire-voting-age-bill-transport-schemes-reprioritsed/ |archive-date=13 March 2023|url-status=live}} While the Green and Māori parties criticised the Government for backtracking on climate action policies, the National and ACT parties welcomed the scrapping of "wasteful" Government policies but questioned the Government's commitment to change.{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Prime Minister Chris Hipkins draws ire of Greens with latest policy bonfire, accused of kicking climate action can down the road |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/prime-minister-chris-hipkins-draws-ire-of-greens-with-latest-policy-bonfire-accused-of-kicking-climate-action-can-down-the-road/WFP35XNUK5AIJI3YDQWSJNMBWU/ |access-date=15 March 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313230212/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/prime-minister-chris-hipkins-draws-ire-of-greens-with-latest-policy-bonfire-accused-of-kicking-climate-action-can-down-the-road/WFP35XNUK5AIJI3YDQWSJNMBWU/ |archive-date=13 March 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=James Shaw failed dismally over policy purge and 'should stand down', say Te Pāti Māor |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131489944/james-shaw-failed-dismally-over-policy-purge-and-should-stand-down-say-te-pti-mori |access-date=15 March 2023 |work=Stuff |date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314060034/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131489944/james-shaw-failed-dismally-over-policy-purge-and-should-stand-down-say-te-pti-mori |archive-date=14 March 2023|url-status=live}}

On 11 April 2023, Hipkins and Health Minister Verrall announced that the New Zealand Government would retain the few remaining COVID-19 restrictions including the seven-day mandatory isolation period for positive cases and mask wearing requirements at hospitals for at least two months.{{cite news |title=Covid-19 restrictions: Cabinet to keep self-isolating mandatory for at least two months|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/487741/covid-19-restrictions-cabinet-to-keep-self-isolation-mandatory-for-at-least-two-months |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=11 April 2023}}

The 2023 New Zealand Budget, presented on 18 May 2023, was regarded as cementing Hipkins' dedication to a "no-frills" welfare programme to combat cost of living.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-18 |title=Live: Budget 2023 – 'No frills' spending plan revealed |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/490152/live-budget-2023-no-frills-spending-plan-revealed |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} The budget included many sweeping initiatives to support lower-middle class New Zealanders, including $618.6 million to scrap NZ$5 prescription fees, $1.2 billion to extend 20 free early childhood education hours to include two year olds, $327 million on free public transport for under-13 year olds, and permanent half-price fees for under-25 year olds, and $402 million on expanding the Warmer Kiwi Homes plan. The latter will subsidise heating, insulation, hot water heat pumps, and LED lamps.{{cite news |date=18 May 2023 |title=Budget 2023 at a glance: What you need to know |work=Radio New Zealand |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/490161/budget-2023-at-a-glance-what-you-need-to-know |url-status=live |access-date=26 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523221813/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/490161/budget-2023-at-a-glance-what-you-need-to-know |archive-date=23 May 2023}} The budget will also allocate NZ$1.9b from the Climate Emergency Response Fund on emissions reductions and adaptation measures. The budget also included a "huge funding boost" for Te Matatini, putting it on par with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra for the first time in over 50 years.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-19 |title=Huge funding boost has Te Matatini organisers 'jumping up and down' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/budget-2023/490210/huge-funding-boost-has-te-matatini-organisers-jumping-up-and-down |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}

File:Rishi Sunak hosts the Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins.jpg, May 2023]]

On 7 February, Hipkins undertook his first state visit to the Australian capital, Canberra, where he met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. While the two leaders reaffirmed Australian–New Zealand bilateral relations, they also discussed the controversial Section 501 deportation policy. During the visit, Albanese confirmed that his government would revise the deportation policy to take into account individuals' connections to Australia and the length of time they had lived in the country.{{cite news |last1=Hemi |first1=Tema |title=Hipkins, Albanese discuss 501s in first meeting in Canberra |url=https://www.teaomaori.news/hipkins-albanese-discuss-501s-first-meeting-canberra |access-date=8 February 2023 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Māori Television |date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208081410/https://www.teaomaori.news/hipkins-albanese-discuss-501s-first-meeting-canberra |archive-date=8 February 2023}}{{cite news |last1=hevesi |first1=Bryant |title=Anthony Albanese meets with Chris Hipkins in Canberra: Australia, New Zealand PMs discuss citizenship issues and deportations |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/anthony-albanese-meets-with-chris-hipkins-in-canberra-australia-new-zealand-pms-discuss-citizenship-issues-and-deportations/news-story/ad356657ed9674b4c65d034581bdbd52 |access-date=8 February 2023 |work=Sky News Australia |date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207141533/https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/anthony-albanese-meets-with-chris-hipkins-in-canberra-australia-new-zealand-pms-discuss-citizenship-issues-and-deportations/news-story/ad356657ed9674b4c65d034581bdbd52 |archive-date=7 February 2023}} During the visit, the two leaders exchanged gifts, with Hipkins gifting Albanese a greenstone pounamu in the shape of a hook and Albanese gifting a selection of Australian records.{{cite news |last1=Hevesi |first1=Bryant |title=Chris Hipkins gifted a selection of Australian music by Anthony Albanese as New Zealand Prime Minister holds talks in Canberra |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/chris-hipkins-gifted-a-selection-of-australian-music-by-anthony-albanese-as-new-zealand-prime-minister-holds-talks-in-canberra/news-story/5c91b6accaaec2e4df766b513d945925 |access-date=8 February 2023 |work=Sky News Australia |date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207095144/https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/chris-hipkins-gifted-a-selection-of-australian-music-by-anthony-albanese-as-new-zealand-prime-minister-holds-talks-in-canberra/news-story/5c91b6accaaec2e4df766b513d945925 |archive-date=7 February 2023}}

File:Realms Lunch Coronation Event (52872254036).jpg, May 2023]]

In early May 2023, Hipkins confirmed that he would attend the coronation of King Charles III on 6 May. He also extended an invitation to Leader of the Opposition Christopher Luxon. Hipkins confirmed that he would meet with Charles III, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Minister of State for the Armed Forces James Heappey, and New Zealand soldiers stationed in the UK training Ukrainian forces. Prior to his departure for the UK, Hipkins also called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reiterate New Zealand's support for Ukraine.{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Glenn |title=Why PM Chris Hipkins is taking Christopher Luxon to the King's coronation |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300866507/why-pm-chris-hipkins-is-taking-christopher-luxon-to-the-kings-coronation |access-date=1 May 2023 |work=Stuff |date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502004409/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300866507/why-pm-chris-hipkins-is-taking-christopher-luxon-to-the-kings-coronation|archive-date=2 May 2023|url-status=live}}

File:Secretary Blinken Meets With Prime Minister Hipkins (52922626180).jpg in Port Moresby in May 2023]]

On 22 May 2023, Hipkins visited Papua New Guinea where he met with several regional and international leaders including Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Chris Hipkins speaks to Mike Hosking after US-Pacific Summit |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/prime-minister-chris-hipkins-speaks-to-mike-hosking-after-us-pacific-summit/F3Z5VO2PMFENHBIEW47MMAILNE/ |access-date=24 May 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME |date=23 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524021632/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/prime-minister-chris-hipkins-speaks-to-mike-hosking-after-us-pacific-summit/F3Z5VO2PMFENHBIEW47MMAILNE/|archive-date=24 May 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Perry |first1=Nick |title=US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/300886209/us-signs-new-security-pact-with-papua-new-guinea-amid-competition-with-china |access-date=24 May 2023 |work=Stuff |date=22 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524022704/https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/300886209/us-signs-new-security-pact-with-papua-new-guinea-amid-competition-with-china|archive-date=24 May 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to take up offer to visit India and talk free trade |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/490455/prime-minister-chris-hipkins-to-take-up-offer-to-visit-india-and-talk-free-trade |access-date=24 May 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=23 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524022838/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/490455/prime-minister-chris-hipkins-to-take-up-offer-to-visit-india-and-talk-free-trade|archive-date=24 May 2023|url-status=live}} Hipkins' visit coincided with the signing of two bilateral defence and maritime agreements between the United States and Papua New Guinea. Hipkins voiced support for the strengthening of Papua New Guinea–United States relations and stated that the United States and New Zealand would work together on combating climate change and the "militarisation" of the South Pacific. He also stated that the United States acknowledged New Zealand's nuclear-free stance.{{cite news |last1=Sadler |first1=Rachel |title=New Zealand's nuclear-free stance brought up with United States, Papua New Guinea as duo signs new security pact |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/05/new-zealand-s-nuclear-free-stance-brought-up-with-united-states-papua-new-guinea-as-duo-signs-new-security-pact.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524021309/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/05/new-zealand-s-nuclear-free-stance-brought-up-with-united-states-papua-new-guinea-as-duo-signs-new-security-pact.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 May 2023 |access-date=24 May 2023 |work=Newshub |publisher=Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand |date=22 May 2023}} On 23 May, Hipkins accepted an offer from Modi to visit India and discuss a proposed free trade agreement between India and New Zealand.

File:Fumio Kishida at the AP4 Summit Meeting at the sidelines of the 2023 NATO Summit (1).jpg]]

On 19 June, Radio New Zealand reported that Hipkins would lead a large political and business delegation to China in late June 2023 to promote diplomatic and trade relations with China. Hipkins also confirmed that he would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during the state visit.{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to meet with China's President Xi Jinping |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/492273/prime-minister-chris-hipkins-to-meet-with-china-s-president-xi-jinping |access-date=19 June 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=19 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619041312/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/492273/prime-minister-chris-hipkins-to-meet-with-china-s-president-xi-jinping |archive-date=19 June 2023|url-status=live}} Hipkins' delegation arrived in Beijing on 26 June where he was greeted by New Zealand Ambassador to China Grahame Morton and Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu.{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=Prime Minister Chris Hipkins fronts media after touching down in Beijing for make-or-break China trip |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/prime-minister-chris-hipkins-fronts-media-after-touching-down-in-beijing-for-make-or-break-china-trip/6D25MXYQHJB33NNQGNQE3DLKQM/# |access-date=28 June 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=26 June 2023}} On 27 June, Hipkins met with Xi, with the two leaders emphasizing the importance of friendly bilateral relations. The two heads of government discussed China–New Zealand relations, China–United States relations, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pacific issues, and human rights.{{cite news |last1=Coughlan |first1=Thomas |title=Chinese President Xi Jinping hails relationship with NZ at meeting with PM Chris Hipkins |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-makes-his-way-to-tiananmen-square-for-meeting-with-president-xi-jinping/3DSFO3UP2JGH3DXDCZN5AZWJ3I/ |access-date=28 June 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=27 June 2023}} The opposition criticised Hipkins for flying with a second jetliner as backup to as far as the Philippines in case the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing 757 he rode were to experience mishap. According to the RNZAF, the precaution is not unusual. Delegations to other destinations in the past have become stranded after their plane broke down.{{Cite news |date=2023-06-26 |title=New Zealand PM sparks row after flying to China with backup plane |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/26/new-zealand-pm-chris-hipkins-row-flying-to-china-backup-plane}}

On 9 July, Hipkins and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen formally signed the New Zealand-European free trade agreement in Brussels. which awaits ratification by the European Parliament. While farmers and some political groups in the European Parliament are expected to oppose the free trade agreement, European Union Ambassador to New Zealand Nina Obermaier confirmed that the 27 European Union member states had consented to the agreement{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Jane |title=New Zealand signs free trade deal with European Union after years of negotiations |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/493457/new-zealand-signs-free-trade-deal-with-european-union-after-years-of-negotiations |access-date=10 July 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=10 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709205658/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/493457/new-zealand-signs-free-trade-deal-with-european-union-after-years-of-negotiations |archive-date=9 July 2023|url-status=live}}

On 8 October 2023, Hipkins unequivocally condemned Hamas' actions during the Gaza war. He said that the target of civilians and hostage taking violated fundamental international humanitarian principles. He also stated Israel had the right to defend itself. Hipkins' statement came after the Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta had issued a statement calling for the belligerents to halt violence, protect civilians, and uphold international humanitarian law. In response to criticism of Mahuta's remarks by ACT Party leader David Seymour, Hipkins denied that Mahuta was out of step with New Zealand foreign policy and stated that her remarks was a matter of timing.{{cite news |title=New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins condemns Hamas attack on Israel |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/new-zealand-minister-nanaia-mahuta-reacts-to-hamas-attack-on-israel/X4QNOBTNTVBJPMCTJ6NOMQ54Q4/ |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |agency=Associated Press |date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008042723/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/new-zealand-minister-nanaia-mahuta-reacts-to-hamas-attack-on-israel/X4QNOBTNTVBJPMCTJ6NOMQ54Q4/ |archive-date=8 October 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Hewett |first1=Wiliam |title=Nanaia Mahuta calls for 'immediate cessation of violence' as hundreds killed in Israel-Hamas conflict |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/10/nanaia-mahuta-calls-for-immediate-cessation-of-violence-as-hundreds-killed-in-israel-hamas-conflict.html |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=Newshub |date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010003719/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/10/nanaia-mahuta-calls-for-immediate-cessation-of-violence-as-hundreds-killed-in-israel-hamas-conflict.html |archive-date=10 October 2023}} On 19 November 2023, Hipkins called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, saying "the violence and the killing has to stop".{{cite news |title=Labour leader Chris Hipkins calls for a ceasefire in Israel Gaza conflict |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/502776/labour-leader-chris-hipkins-calls-for-a-ceasefire-in-israel-gaza-conflict |work=RNZ |date=19 November 2023}}

Hipkins led the Labour Party into the 2023 general election.{{cite news |title=Election 2023: Labour's Chris Hipkins concedes, congratulates National on results |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/500185/election-2023-labour-s-chris-hipkins-concedes-congratulates-national-on-results |access-date=7 November 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102015059/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/500185/election-2023-labour-s-chris-hipkins-concedes-congratulates-national-on-results |archive-date=2 November 2023}} During the election campaign, Hipkins ruled out introducing a capital gains tax if Labour was re-elected to Government.{{cite news |title=Hipkins rules out capital gains tax, wealth tax if Labour re-elected |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/493596/hipkins-rules-out-capital-gains-tax-wealth-tax-if-labour-re-elected |access-date=16 July 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=12 July 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=16 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716234054/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/493596/hipkins-rules-out-capital-gains-tax-wealth-tax-if-labour-re-elected }} In July 2023, Labour introduced sweeping welfare initiatives as part of that year's budget, including a $1 billion Cyclone Recovery plan, a large increase in childcare and parental leave, scrapping prescription co-payments, free public transport for under-13s (and half price for under-25s),{{Cite web |date=2023-05-18 |title=Budget 2023 at a glance: What you need to know |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/490161/budget-2023-at-a-glance-what-you-need-to-know |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} and increasing the funding for Te Matatini tenfold.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-19 |title=Huge funding boost has Te Matatini organisers 'jumping up and down' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/budget-2023/490210/huge-funding-boost-has-te-matatini-organisers-jumping-up-and-down |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}

The results of the general election, on 14 October, saw Labour lose its majority in Parliament; its share of seats dropped to 34, while its share of the party vote decreased to 26.91%.{{cite web |title=Official results for the 2023 General Election |url=https://elections.nz/media-and-news/2023/official-results-for-the-2023-general-election/ |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106045911/https://elections.nz/media-and-news/2023/official-results-for-the-2023-general-election/ |archive-date=6 November 2023 |date=3 November 2023 |url-status=live}} Hipkins conceded the election to National Party leader Christopher Luxon on election night. Hipkins retained his Remutaka electorate seat by a margin of 8,859 votes.{{cite web |title=Remutaka – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-42.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210215716/https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-42.html|archive-date=10 December 2023|url-status=live}}

On 7 November, Labour's parliamentary caucus voted to retain Hipkins as party leader during a leadership vote held in Upper Hutt. The party's constitution requires MPs to vote on the leadership within three months after an election, with leaders needing at least 60 percent plus one of the caucus.{{cite news |title=Labour votes to keep Chris Hipkins as leader, Carmel Sepuloni takes over as deputy |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/501872/labour-votes-to-keep-chris-hipkins-as-leader-carmel-sepuloni-takes-over-as-deputy |access-date=7 November 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107024219/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/501872/labour-votes-to-keep-chris-hipkins-as-leader-carmel-sepuloni-takes-over-as-deputy |archive-date=7 November 2023}} On 10 November, Hipkins and Luxon agreed to advise Governor-General Cindy Kiro to prolong the caretaker government arrangement due to lengthy coalition talks between National, ACT and New Zealand First.{{cite news |last1=Wikaere-Lewis |first1=Mana |title=Chris Hipkins to be sworn in again as PM until coalition talks finalise |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2023/11/10/chris-hipkins-to-be-sworn-in-again-as-pm-until-coalition-talks-finalise/ |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Māori Television |date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110101303/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2023/11/10/chris-hipkins-to-be-sworn-in-again-as-pm-until-coalition-talks-finalise/ |archive-date=10 November 2023}} Hipkins continued to serve as caretaker prime minister until the formation of the National-led government. He stepped down and Luxon succeeded him on 27 November.{{cite news |last1=Perry |first1=Nick |title=Christopher Luxon sworn in as New Zealand prime minister, says priority is to improve economy |url=https://apnews.com/article/christopher-luxon-new-zealand-prime-minister-f3f6c4c80b75521647b8e61e5ff71673 |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=Associated Press |date=27 November 2023 |language=en}}

In addition to serving as leader of the Opposition, Hipkins also serves as spokesperson for ministerial services and national intelligence and security in the Labour shadow cabinet.{{cite news |title=Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins reveals new shadow Cabinet |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503581/labour-party-leader-chris-hipkins-reveals-new-shadow-cabinet |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211134745/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503581/labour-party-leader-chris-hipkins-reveals-new-shadow-cabinet |archive-date=11 December 2023|url-status=live}}

In September 2024, the Taxpayer Union-Curia Poll found that Hipkins' had fallen by 6.1 points to 12.6% in the Preferred Prime Minister Poll while the Labour Party ranked 26.7%. In response to the poll, several senior Labour MPs including Kieran McAnulty, David Parker, Jan Tinetti and Willie Jackson expressed support for Hipkins' leadership of the party. In mid September 2024, Hipkins attended a British Labour Party conference and met with members of the Starmer ministry.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Chris Hipkins poll results: Labour leader says he has 'full support' of caucus |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-poll-results-labour-leader-says-he-has-full-support-of-caucus/3J5WRDG3FNH3HHTILNFRP63TYM/ |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=17 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919143205/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-poll-results-labour-leader-says-he-has-full-support-of-caucus/3J5WRDG3FNH3HHTILNFRP63TYM/|archive-date=19 September 2024|url-status=live}} In mid-September, a Talbot Mills survey conducted between 1 and 10 September found that Hipkins ranked 22% in the Preferred Prime Minister Poll.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=New poll results show closer fight between Chris Hipkins, Christopher Luxon for preferred Prime Minister |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/new-poll-results-show-closer-fight-between-chris-hipkins-christopher-luxon-for-preferred-prime-minister/NSG6OIVZWFBORAPPGLXAVHY2DE/ |access-date=25 September 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923163611/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/new-poll-results-show-closer-fight-between-chris-hipkins-christopher-luxon-for-preferred-prime-minister/NSG6OIVZWFBORAPPGLXAVHY2DE/ |archive-date=23 September 2024|url-status=live}}

In mid-October 2024, a 1News–Verian poll found that 54% of respondents thought that Hipkins should remain as leader of the Labour Party while 26% thought he should step down. The poll surveyed 1,000 eligible voters.{{cite news |title=Poll: 54% of voters think Hipkins should stay as Labour leader |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/10/15/poll-54-of-voters-think-hipkins-should-stay-as-labour-leader/ |access-date=18 October 2024 |work=1News |date=15 October 2024}}

On 12 November 2024, Hipkins spoke at the National Apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care alongside Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, acknowledged the failings of successive governments towards abuse victims and survivors.

{{cite news |title=Emotions run high as abuse survivors hear apologies |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/11/12/emotions-run-high-as-abuse-survivors-hear-apologies/ |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=1News |date=12 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112034611/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/11/12/emotions-run-high-as-abuse-survivors-hear-apologies/ |archive-date=12 November 2024}}

On 7 March 2025, Hipkins announced a second cabinet reshuffle of his shadow cabinet during his State of the Nation speech at the Auckland Chamber of Business. He also announced the creation of a new economic team consisting of fellow MPs Barbara Edmonds, Ginny Andersen, Peeni Henare, Reuben Davidson and Cushla Tangaere-Manuel.{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Russell |title=Chris Hipkins announces new Labour 'economic team', Tangi Utikere promoted |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544048/chris-hipkins-announces-new-labour-economic-team-tangi-utikere-promoted |access-date=8 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=7 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307011659/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544048/chris-hipkins-announces-new-labour-economic-team-tangi-utikere-promoted |archive-date=7 March 2025}}

Hipkins is typically regarded as a centrist politician, and an "arch-pragmatist".{{Cite web |date=2023-07-04 |title=Bryce Edwards: PM Chris Hipkins resets Labour to the right |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/bryce-edwards-prime-minister-chris-hipkins-resets-labour-to-the-right/G3I23PBIO5H4JIN6ZFJNUA3PYE/ |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |last=Malpass |first=Luke |date=2023-03-13 |title=Arch-pragmatist Chris Hipkins is dragging Labour back to the centre – and the left into election contention |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131484160/archpragmatist-chris-hipkins-is-dragging-labour-back-to-the-centre--and-the-left-into-election-contention |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=Stuff |language=en}} A student activist at university, he has labelled himself as increasingly moderate due to deepening political polarisation.{{Cite news |last=McClure |first=Tess |date=2021-09-24 |title='People are tired': Chris Hipkins, the New Zealand minister battling to eliminate Covid |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/25/people-are-tired-chris-hipkins-the-new-zealand-minister-battling-to-eliminate-covid |access-date=2023-07-04 |issn=0261-3077}} During his premiership he emphasised "bread and butter" issues,{{Cite web |date=2023-07-04 |title=Chris Hipkins' make or break, bread and butter Budget awaits |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2023-chis-hipkins-make-or-break-bread-and-butter-budget/TT3JHPHABRGNJCMQAPUGSSFUBI/ |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} such as combatting the increased cost of living. Some observers see this as a push to retain or regain the support of the centrist swing voters who abandoned National in swathes for Labour in 2020.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-15 |title=Chris Hipkins' strategy to win back centrist voters |url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/edwards-on-politics/chris-hipkins-strategy-of-winning-back-centrist-voters/ |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=NBR {{!}} The Authority since 1970 |language=en-NZ}}{{cite web |date=8 August 2020 |title=Election 2020: Labour launches an extremely centrist campaign |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300077606/election-2020-labour-launches-an-extremely-centrist-campaign |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017202335/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300077606/election-2020-labour-launches-an-extremely-centrist-campaign |archive-date=17 October 2020 |access-date=17 October 2020 |website=Stuff }}{{Cite web |date=2021-11-30 |title=Luxon the most politically inexperienced leader in National history |url=https://theglobalherald.com/news/luxon-the-most-politically-inexperienced-leader-in-national-history/ |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=The Global Herald |language=en-US}} See also [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoePwvjYAtk "Luxon the most politically inexperienced leader in National history"] One News. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2022 – via YouTube.

Hipkins is not a monarchist, but ahead of the coronation of Charles III he announced that he would not be pushing for New Zealand to become a republic during his premiership. During a press conference, Hipkins stated: "Ideally, I think in time, New Zealand will become a fully independent country{{nbsp}}... I don't think that swapping out the governor-general for some other form of head of state is necessarily an urgent priority right now, though."{{cite news |last1=McClure |first1=Tess |title=New Zealand will 'ideally' become a republic one day, says Chris Hipkins |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/01/new-zealand-will-ideally-become-a-republic-one-day-says-chris-hipkins |access-date=3 May 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=1 May 2023 |location=Auckland}}

In June 2024, Hipkins indicated that he was opened to amending legislation to change how MPs could claim housing allowances for their Wellington accommodation following media reports that several MPs were claiming housing allowances despite owning property in Wellington.{{cite news |title=Chris Hipkins open to looking at MP accommodation allowance |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/519314/chris-hipkins-open-to-looking-at-mp-accommodation-allowance |access-date=17 June 2024 |work=RNZ |date=12 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613161422/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/519314/chris-hipkins-open-to-looking-at-mp-accommodation-allowance |archive-date=13 June 2024|url-status=live}}

Hipkins is nicknamed "Chippy", a diminutive name derived from his initials, but reflective of his "upbeat, slightly schoolboyish demeanour".{{cite news |last1=McClure |first1=Tess |date=21 January 2023 |title=Chris Hipkins profile: who is New Zealand's next prime minister after Jacinda Ardern? |language=en |work=The Guardian |location=Auckland |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/21/chris-hipkins-profile-who-is-new-zealands-next-prime-minister-after-jacinda-ardern |url-status=live |access-date=31 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125021939/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/21/chris-hipkins-profile-who-is-new-zealands-next-prime-minister-after-jacinda-ardern |archive-date=25 January 2023}} He is known for his enjoyment of sausage rolls and Coke Zero.{{Cite web |last=Vance |first=Andrea |date=21 January 2023 |title=Chris Hipkins thinks he can lead Labour to victory in the election – and friends say he can do it |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131031562/chris-hipkins-thinks-he-can-lead-labour-to-victory-in-the-election--and-friends-say-he-can-do-it |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121194011/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131031562/chris-hipkins-thinks-he-can-lead-labour-to-victory-in-the-election--and-friends-say-he-can-do-it |archive-date=21 January 2023 |access-date=21 January 2023 |website=Stuff |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=From spreading legs to a savoury love – Who is Chris Hipkins? |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/21/from-spreading-legs-to-a-savoury-love-who-is-chris-hipkins/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121100548/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/21/from-spreading-legs-to-a-savoury-love-who-is-chris-hipkins/ |archive-date=21 January 2023 |access-date=21 January 2023 |website=1 News |language=en}} His love for sausage rolls has promoted discussion, with some political commentators claiming it embodies the sharp departure from the soft power New Zealand experienced under Ardern ("Jacindamania").{{Cite news |last=Graham-McLay |first=Charlotte |date=2023-06-23 |title=Domestic squabbling and two men called Chris: what's next for New Zealand politics after Jacinda Ardern |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/24/new-zealand-politics-after-jacinda-ardern |access-date=2023-06-24 |issn=0261-3077}} Hipkins has embraced his public perception, and is generally known as humble, affable,{{Cite news |title=Jenna Lynch: From Meme Minister to Prime Minister – can Chris Hipkins do this? |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/01/jenna-lynch-from-meme-minister-to-prime-minister-can-chris-hipkins-do-this.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121013832/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/01/jenna-lynch-from-meme-minister-to-prime-minister-can-chris-hipkins-do-this.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 January 2023 |access-date=2023-07-04}} and self-deprecating.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-24 |title=Hipkins 'humbled and honoured' to take over role of PM |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/live-chris-hipkins-to-give-first-address-after-being-anointed-new-pm/P4DHGOMMGBBDTMKKH2YO2ERTA4/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-24 |title=Chris Hipkins report card: What sort of a Prime Minister has he turned out to be? |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/the-report-card-what-sort-of-a-prime-minister-has-chris-hipkins-turned-out-to-be-the-weak-spots-the-disaster-management-and-courting-auckland-and-business/BLBPMXSSKZDTDDMLR64DBX4PKU/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |date=2023-01-21 |title=Who is New Zealand's next prime minister Chris Hipkins? |url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/01/21/tough-and-competent-who-is-new-zealands-next-prime-minister-chris-hipkins |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=euronews |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=McClure |first=Tess |date=2023-01-21 |title=Chris Hipkins profile: who is New Zealand's next prime minister after Jacinda Ardern? |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/21/chris-hipkins-profile-who-is-new-zealands-next-prime-minister-after-jacinda-ardern |access-date=2023-06-24 |issn=0261-3077}}

Hipkins and his wife Jade were married in 2020 in a ceremony held at Premier House, Wellington, with Grant Robertson serving as best man.{{Cite news |title=Labour MP Chris Hipkins shares his beautiful wedding photos |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2020/01/labour-mp-chris-hipkins-shares-his-beautiful-wedding-photos.html |access-date=21 January 2023 |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120212359/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2020/01/labour-mp-chris-hipkins-shares-his-beautiful-wedding-photos.html |url-status=dead }} He has two children. He and his wife separated in 2022.{{cite news |last1=Neilson |first1=Michael |title=Jacinda Ardern resigns: Who is Chris Hipkins, New Zealand's next Prime Minister? |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/jacinda-ardern-resigns-who-is-chris-hipkins-new-zealands-next-prime-minister/L4R3HZN5VNHAZP5CDM3GMIP65E/ |access-date=22 January 2023 |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=21 January 2023 |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121071918/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/jacinda-ardern-resigns-who-is-chris-hipkins-new-zealands-next-prime-minister/L4R3HZN5VNHAZP5CDM3GMIP65E/ |url-status=live }} When he took extended paternity leave for the birth of his second child in 2018, he was one of the first senior male cabinet ministers to do so. He remet former staffer Toni Grace and began a relationship with her.{{Cite web |last=Jacobson |first=Julie |date=October 28, 2023 |title=Chris Hipkins' new coalition partner |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/a/nz-news/350099721/chris-hipkins-new-coalition-partner |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=www.thepost.co.nz}} The relationship was publicly revealed during his election night concession speech in October 2023.{{cite news | url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/who-is-toni-chris-hipkins-reveals-new-partner-amid-labours-crushing-election-defeat/MRULT6WDKJA4PO3ZBWEVMP53CU/ | title=Who is Toni? Hipkins reveals new partner after crushing defeat |first=Melissa |last=Nightingale |work=The New Zealand Herald | date=15 October 2023 |access-date=28 October 2023}}

Both of Hipkins' children have Von Willebrand disease, a blood-clotting disorder. In mid-August 2023, he took leave from election campaigning to support his four-year old daughter.{{cite news |title=PM Hipkins to work from hospital with sick child |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/496453/pm-hipkins-to-work-from-hospital-with-sick-child |access-date=12 September 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=23 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902013143/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/496453/pm-hipkins-to-work-from-hospital-with-sick-child |archive-date=2 September 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=PM Chris Hipkins to miss engagements to care for 4yo daughter with blood condition |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-chris-hipkins-to-miss-engagements-to-care-for-4yo-daughter-with-blood-condition/YL3K6TJMLNEQPEBM7F4LG57MOM/ |access-date=12 September 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=23 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830065544/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-chris-hipkins-to-miss-engagements-to-care-for-4yo-daughter-with-blood-condition/YL3K6TJMLNEQPEBM7F4LG57MOM/ |archive-date=30 August 2023|url-status=live}}

{{reflist}}

{{subject bar|auto=y|d=y|n=y|Politics|New Zealand}}

• [https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/hipkins-chris/ Profile] on the New Zealand Parliament website
• [https://www.labour.org.nz/chrishipkins Profile] at New Zealand Labour Party
• [http://www.chrishipkins.co.nz MPs webpage]
• {{Twitter}}

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