Chris Hipkins, 44, was sworn in as New Zealand's new Prime Minister at an inauguration ceremony in the capital Wellington on Wednesday.
He was unanimously confirmed on Sunday by the ruling Labor party to replace Jacinda Ardern as its leader.
Hipkins was first elected to Parliament in 2008 and spearheaded the country's Covid-19 policy in 2020 as Minister for the Covid-19 Response.
Before becoming the prime minister, he had served as the minister of education, police, public service and leader of the House.
Six days ago, Jacinda Ardern made a surprise announcement to step down from her post ahead of the October election.
Ardern, 42, said she no longer had the 'strength' to lead the country in her announcement.
Governor General Cindy Kiro accepted her official resignation on Wednesday and confirmed Hipkins' appointment as the country's new leader.
