New Labour leader and incoming Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has addressed the media on the pandemic and inflation.

“Earlier today, the Labour Party caucus and the labour team of MPs unanimously endorsed me as the new leader and the next Prime Minister of New Zealand.

I’ve been humbled by the support shown by my colleagues, but also really excited by the focus and commitment that I’ve seen from them to make this a speedy and seamless transition in the best interests of all New Zealanders.

As a team, we will continue to provide strong, stable and focused leadership that New Zealanders expect from us. As I said yesterday, this is the biggest privilege and the biggest responsibility of my life.”

On the Economy

Hipkins said COVID-19 and the global pandemic created a health crisis.

“And now it’s created an economic one and that’s where my government’s focus will be. While we will be looking forward, I do want to acknowledge how hard COVID-19 was for the country.

Some of the actions we took were amongst the hardest a government can do. We know they had a profound impact on a great many people Despite the comparatively strong position we’re in now compared with any other countries, the tale of the pandemic still remains with us.”

“Our economic management has left us with record low unemployment, comparatively low levels of government debt and we are projecting a return to surplus faster than the previous government did after the global financial crisis.

“But I know that many people in New Zealand, many families are struggling at the moment.

“I know that people are worried about paying their grocery bills and paying their mortgages. The Globe is now facing a new challenge, a pandemic of inflation.

New Zealand’s rate of inflation remains below the OECD average. But high global inflation is biting into Kiwi household budgets and families are feeling that pinch.”

Hipkins said “my government will bring a strong clarity, sense of purpose, and priority to helping New Zealanders through these tough economic times. The focus will be on the right now and the bread and butter issues that people care about.

Some people, many people are hurting at the moment and I want them to know that we are on their side. We will continue to grow an economy that creates well-paying jobs that lift incomes and create opportunities for current and future generations will focus on strengthening the core public services that we all rely on rely upon like health and education.”

Hipkins said “I know that some New Zealanders feel that we are doing too much too fast.

And I have heard that message over the coming week. Cabinet will be making decisions on reining in some programmes and projects that aren’t essential right now.”

When pushed to provide more details he said “I think New Zealanders will understand that the Cabinet has not yet met and that we haven’t had a chance to go in detail into all of those areas yet.

“So I’m not making specific policy announcements today. I don’t think anyone would expect that. But we will certainly be focused on running a roll over the whole of the government’s work programme to make sure that we are focused on the things that are going to make a difference to New Zealanders.”