What's happened
Chris Hipkins was confirmed as New Zealand's next Prime Minister after being the only candidate to replace Jacinda Ardern.
Why it matters
Hipkins faces a tough battle to retain power in an October general election, with Labour trailing the opposition in opinion polls and the country expected to fall into recession next quarter. Hipkins has pledged to continue Ardern's governing style while putting his own stamp on running the country.
What the papers say
All sources report on Hipkins' confirmation as New Zealand's next Prime Minister, with some providing additional information on his background and his plans for the future.
How we got here
Ardern's resignation last week came as a surprise to many, and Hipkins was the only candidate to replace her. Hipkins has built a reputation for competence in tackling COVID-19, though he acknowledges some mistakes in handling the pandemic.
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Christopher John Hipkins is a New Zealand politician and member of the Labour Party. He has served as the Member of Parliament for Remutaka since 2008.
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