Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins speaks at the New Zealand Labour Party's election campaign launch event in Auckland, New Zealand, September 2, 2023. REUTERS/David Rowland/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWELLINGTON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on Friday said he was back on the election campaign trail, after he tested negative for COVID-19 earlier in the day. New Zealand is just a week out from the Oct. 14 general election, which the ruling Labour party is unlikely to win. Labour faced a new challenge on Sunday when Hipkins tested positive for COVID and had to work remotely while isolating. "But I'm very much looking forward to getting back on the campaign trail."

---

Persons: Chris Hipkins, David Rowland, Hipkins, TVNZ's 1News, I'm, Lucy Craymer, Tom Hogue Organizations: Labour Party, New Zealand Labour, REUTERS, Rights, Zealand, Labour, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, New Zealand