New Zealand Prime Minister

Incoming NZ Prime Minister Chris Hipkins singles out 'global inflation pandemic' as priority

Hipkins and new Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni will take the reins on Wednesday, following Jacinda Ardern's sudden announcement last week she was quitting after a challenging five years in the top role.

Ardern to chair July 16 meeting

The 40-year-old PM said this is the first time in APEC’s history that leaders have held an additional meeting at Leaders’ level, and it reflects their desire to navigate together out of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis.

“APEC economies have suffered their biggest contraction since the Second World War over the past year, with 81 million jobs lost. Responding collectively is vital to accelerate the economic recovery for the region,” she stated.

New Zealand PM's breakneck tour a hit with islands

Jacinda Ardern has completed a whirlwind trip of the Pacific Islands, stopping in Samoa, Niue, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

It was her first trip as Prime Minister, where she took the chance to meet with all the heads of the countries.

At every island there was a visit to some sort of school and it was in these moments that Ms Ardern shone the most.

She seemed to thoroughly enjoy the encounters with children. She laughed and joked with them and sat patiently through many performances.

'Honour and a privilege' - Jacinda Ardern

"Mr English has already called me this evening and acknowledged that for the national party negotiations have now concluded," Ms Ardern said.

At a long-awaited press conference at the Beehive Theatrette earlier this evening, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters announced the party had decided to go with Labour.

Labour has 46 seats, which together with the Green's eight and New Zealand First's nine, gives them 63 seats in the house, and a majority of seven over National.

Envoy will push for NZ to fund PNG sports

During the launching of the Jonah Lomu Cup in Port Moresby, Fautua said he will make strong representation for PNG to be included in the NZ$10 million (K20 million) Pacific Sports Partnership Program (PSP).

The PSP is focused on the development of rugby and netball in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

However, Fautua says PNG has to prove to itself and to the region that it is worthy of starting something that will develop the sport and the country.