Jacinta Ardern

Chris Hipkins sworn in as New Zealand prime minister following Jacinda Ardern's surprise resignation

Key points:

  • A general election has been called for October
  • Mr Hipkins was the only candidate to replace Ms Ardern 
  • Mr Hipkins is likely to visit Australia soon

The Labour Party elected the former COVID-19 response and police minister Mr Hipkins, 44, to lead the party and the country on Sunday.

Jacinda Ardern announces resignation as New Zealand Prime Minister

Key points:

  • Ms Ardern choked back tears saying she did not have the energy to seek re-election
  • Her final day in office will be February 7
  • She announced New Zealand's general election will be held on October 14

Ms Ardern choked back tears on Thursday as she said she did not have the energy to seek re-election.

She said her final day in office will be February 7.

"I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice," she said.