Hipkins, 44, must still get an endorsement Sunday from his Labour Party colleagues in Parliament but that is just a formality now.
Ardern shocked the nation of 5 million people Thursday when she announced she was resigning after five-and-a-half years in the top role.
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Chris Hipkins, nicknamed Chippy, is a 44-year-old Labour MP who has served in parliament since 2008.
The MP from the Hutt Valley has previously served as COVID-19 response minister and health minister.
