January 23, 2023
Hipkins picking Māori support
New Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins says Māori MPs will continue to play a prominent role in his government.
The Remutaka MP was confirmed yesterday by the party caucus and is set to become prime minister on Wednesday, after Jacinda Ardern tenders her resignation to the governor general.
The caucus also picked Carmel Sepuloni as deputy prime minister, replacing Grant Robertson.
Kelvin Davis stays on as Labour’s deputy leader.
The Māori Party slammed Labour for not picking a Māori leader or deputy, despite its large Māori caucus.
But Mr Hipkins says it wasn’t an issue for those MPs.
“They’re all most focused on the difference they can make to New Zealand and to the lives of New Zealanders. They’re more focused on that than the rankings and positions they hold,” he says.
Mr Hipkins says Māori ministers will continue to occupy senior positions after his cabinet reshuffle.
The new Labour line-up will have its first exposure to Māori at Ratana tomorrow, which will be Jacinda Ardern’s last public engagement as prime minister.