The Latest Breaking News from Chris Hipkins

For an election ostensibly fought over a “cost-of-living crisis”, there was a strong unspoken consensus between the two major parties: most people’s living standards needed to reduce to thwart inflation. Regardless of the election result, a form of austerity was always going to win.

Decades of public service came to an end for MPs across the political spectrum this week, with not even a valedictory speech to say goodbye, writes Jo Moir

Defeated New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says he will continue to lead his liberal Labour Party — for now, at least — despite a big election loss on Saturday

Chris Hipkins is still the leader of the Labour Party, though a leadership vote will be scheduled after the final election results come in, in line with party rules.