[1/2] Chris Hipkins speaks to members of the media, after being confirmed as the only nomination to replace Jacinda Ardern as leader of the Labour Party, outside New Zealand's parliament in Wellington, New Zealand January 21, 2023.
We are different people though, and I'm sure that people will see that," Hipkins told a news conference on Saturday after emerging as the only candidate to lead the ruling Labour Party.
First elected to parliament in 2008, Hipkins became a household name fronting the government's response to the pandemic.
He was appointed health minister in July 2020 before becoming the COVID response minister at the end of the year.
Hipkins is known around parliament for his sense of humour - including an ability to laugh at himself.