Following a swearing-in ceremony in parliament, Chris Hipkins has formally taken office as the new Prime Minister of New Zealand. In addition to being the top leader, Hipkins will be the Minister of National Security and Intelligence. The cabinet will be reshuffled in the coming week.

Referring to the data that Stats NZ released on New Zealand’s consumer price index, which remained at 7.2 percent after the last 12 months, Hipkins said he will prioritize inflation.

Jacinda Ardern has formally submitted her resignation and stated that she will remain as a Member of Parliament for Mt Albert while being away from the center of politics.