Chris Hipkins has been sworn in as New Zealand's new prime minister after Jacinda Ardern resigned stating she no longer had "enough in the tank".
Hipkins is well known for being the architect of New Zealand's COVID-19 response, having a strong political background and poor dress sense but not having the same popularity as Ardern.
He has promised to be energised and excited by the challenges ahead of him.
Chris Hipkins has replaced Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand's prime minister, and was officially sworn in by the governor general in a ceremony in Wellington.
Ardern had resigned from her post last week, citing exhaustion after managing crises such as natural disasters, the Christchurch terror attack and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hipkins, who is known for his political nous, poor dress sense and love for diet Coke, was the architect of New Zealand's COVID-19 response plan.
He is seen as a safe pair of hands and a personable politician who has promised to be energised and excited by the tasks ahead.
While Hipkins is not expected to draw the same kind of crowd or attention as Ardern, he is well-known in New Zealand's political circles.
The Labour government Ardern led has struggled in the polls for the last two years due to inflation, recession and a resurgent conservative opposition.