Appointed As New Zealand's PM, Chris Hipkins: The Most Special And Responsibility In My Life

(left) Carmel Sepuloni, Dame Cindy Kiro and PM Chris Hipkins after the inauguration. (Wikimedia Commons/New Zealand Government/Office of the Governor-General)

JAKARTA - Labor Party leader Chris Hipkins was sworn in as Prime Minister of New Zealand in the capital Wellington Wednesday, following Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's resignation last week.

The Labor Party selected former Minister of COVID-19 Hipkins (44) to lead the party and state on Sunday.

Hundreds of people gathered in the courtyard of Parliament as Ardern left for the last time, hugging each of his MPs alternately to say goodbye.

He then went to the Government Building, where he submitted his resignation to King Charles III' representatives in New Zealand, Governor General Cindy Kiro.

Hipkins and his deputy Carmel Sepuloni, the first person of the Pacific Islands to occupy the post, were later sworn in, in a ceremony that lasted several minutes.

"This is the greatest privilege and responsibility of my life," PM Hipkins said after taking office.

"I am excited and excited about the challenges ahead," he continued.

PM Hipkins, who has so far declined to comment on his policy since being elected leader, will hold his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening local time.

Known as "Chippy", Hipkins is best known in New Zealand for his competence in dealing with COVID-19, although he admits some of the mistakes in dealing with the pandemic.

"COVID-19 and the global pandemic are creating a health crisis. Now it is creating an economic crisis and that's where my government focuses," said PM Hipkins earlier.

PM Hipkins, who is a father of two, describes himself as an "ordinary girl" from a working class background, who likes sausage bread and rides to work.