Mr Chris Hipkins, 44, was on Wednesday morning officially sworn in to replace Ms Ardern, his friend of more than 20 years, who resigned because she no longer had"enough in the tank".
Political commentator Josie Pagani has described Mr Hipkins, with more than 14 years in opposition and government, as"sensible, likeable, tough and capable". Hailing from the working class Hutt Valley in New Zealand's North Island, Mr Hipkins has held high-profile portfolios including police and education.
His diet has drawn the attention of his colleagues, with a former boss once remarking that Mr Hipkins"appears to eat nothing more than sausage rolls and diet Coke". Asked whether having a red-haired prime minister would be a historic moment for the country, he said:"I think it was about time we had a ginger at the top."
Although known as a personable and laid-back operator, Mr Hipkins is also capable of playing hard-nosed politics — and was involved in some high-profile spats with Australia's former conservative government.
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