Many expected the abrupt resignation of Jacinda Ardern to fatefully deprive New Zealand’s government of its best asset. However, the moderate pragmatism of her successor, Chris Hipkins, may in fact have allowed many Kiwis to give themselves permission to return to Labour.
Within a fortnight of taking over, Hipkins has been confronted with a quick succession of civil defence emergencies, with the second, Cyclone Gabrielle, being the most significant weather event in New Zealand so far this century. At least 10,500 people have been displaced by Gabrielle so far, according to officials.
The new Prime Minister has none of his predecessor’s star power, although he is widely seen as competent and trustworthy after his time in charge of the Covid-19 effort. His response to the cyclone thus far has had the effect of reinforcing that reputation.
Sometimes, when a ubiquitous, big figure of the age steps aside, people actually warm to the low-key successor
Prior to this emergency, Hipkin’s rebrand of the post-Ardern Labour government went almost without a hitch.
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