Kia ora John,

I’m  honoured and humbled to have been chosen today to lead the Labour Party and become your next Prime Minister. It’s a big day for a boy from the Hutt. 

I have an incredibly tough act to follow, but believe me when I say I'm up for the challenge! Jacinda has worked tirelessly over the last five years to make New Zealand a better place for everyone. Her commitment to kindness, fairness and social justice embodied our Labour values. I’m so proud to continue this mahi, extending the ladder of opportunity, rewarding hard work, practicing kindness, and governing with compassion.  And I'm so pleased that my friend Carmel Sepuloni is alongside me as New Zealand's new Deputy Prime Minister, too. We're going to be a great team.

I’ve been asked a lot these last few days if Labour will win in 2023. The answer is yes. We’ll win because we have the vision, the people, and the plan that New Zealand needs. 

There’s a lot of work ahead of us. I’m going to need every single one of our talented MPs, supporters, members and volunteers to dig deep and give it absolutely everything we’ve got.  

But right now, on day one, I have a simple favour to ask.  

John, will you chip in to our election fund today to help Labour win in October? 

There's 265 days to go until election day, John. I promise you I will work hard for every single one of them to ensure that our Labour government can continue to make progress on the issues that matter most to New Zealanders in 2023 and beyond. But I can’t do it without you, so please give what you can today.

It’s an absolute honour to be given the chance to lead our party. I’m so grateful to know that there are thousands of people like you, standing alongside me, committed to making our amazing country an even better place for everyone. Thank you, John.

Ngā mihi,

Chris Hipkins, Labour Leader