Ms Ardern announced that she was quitting as the country's leader on Thursday, citing burnout.

Mr Hipkins, 44, was New Zealand's Covid response minister and has extensive political experience. He is set to be sworn in as prime minister on Wednesday after Ms Ardern formally steps down. He received a standing ovation from his colleagues after they gave him their backing on Sunday, and shared a hug with Ms Ardern, whom he described as "my very good friend".