David Cohen

New Zealand’s PM is a welcome change from Jacinda Ardern

Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins (Credit: Getty images)

Chris Hipkins can afford to feel pleased with his first days in office as Prime Minister of New Zealand. In his inaugural press conference, Hipkins came across as thoughtful and intelligent. In a welcome change from his predecessor, Jacinda Ardern, he was also gratifyingly dull.

Hipkins has vowed to shift his focus back to basics, concentrating on the cost-of-living crisis and tackling crime. Gone are some of the more contentious policies, such as unemployment insurance, espoused by Ardern. ‘Over the coming week,’ he said, ‘the cabinet will be making decisions on reining in some programmes and projects that aren’t essential right now’.

A bit more tedium at the top might not be such a bad thing

His warning against ‘doing too much too fast’, might have been just what the spin-doctor ordered for the 44-year-old as he seeks to introduce himself anew as the South Pacific nation’s 41st premier.

‘It’s a big day for a boy from the Hutt,’ Hipkins added, namechecking the place he grew up in and which itself has a reputation for being less than electrifying.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in