Poised to be New Zealand's next prime minister, Chris Hipkins became a household name leading the nation's closed-border crackdown on Covid-19 and describes himself as a decisive, straight-talking politician.
The 44-year-old police and education minister emerged Saturday as his Labour Party's sole contender to replace Jacinda Ardern following her shock resignation barely 48 hours earlier. He is to be formally endorsed for the job Sunday.
"Hopefully New Zealanders know me as someone who is up front, doesn't mind admitting when they've made a mistake and can laugh at themselves," he told reporters after being selected.
The red-headed Hipkins won plaudits for his near two-year term as the Covid response minister in a country that shut its borders to keep the coronavirus out, only fully reopening to the outside world in August last year.
He later conceded that rolling lockdowns were "tough going" and said they had to be eased as people wearied of the restrictions.
Political commentator Josie Pagani has described Hipkins, with more than 14 years in opposition and government, as "sensible, likeable, tough and capable".
Hipkins has been police minister since June last year, a key role given criticism of the government's record on crime, in addition to serving more than five years as education minister and public service minister.
"I think I am relatively upfront, I'm relatively inclusive. People won't die wondering what I think," he told reporters outside parliament in Wellington.
"It's a big day for a boy from the Hutt," he said, referring to the Hutt Valley region near the capital Wellington.
"My parents came from relatively humble beginnings and worked really hard to provide a good life for my brother and I," Hipkins added, vowing to give New Zealanders the opportunities to improve their lives.
Justice Minister Kiri Allan, one of Labour's senior Maori MPs, who had been considered a potential prime minister herself, said Hipkins was decisive and would be an "incredibly strong" prime minister.
"He is extremely competent, with a track record of delivering for New Zealand as one of our most senior ministers over the past six years," she said.