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New Zealand’s new Prime Minister and other NZ updates

Correspondent TCP February 15, 2023

January 24: Chris Hipkins

On January 19, 2023, the New Zealand Prime Minister, Ms. Jacinda Arden, announced her retirement. On January 24, Mr. Chris Hipkins was sworn in as the NZ Prime Minister. Even though the date announced by Ms. Jacinda Arden was February 7th, Mr. Hipkins took charge immediately after being sworn in.

Mr. Chris Hipkins is a seasoned politician. He is 44 years old. He was the Minister of Health in the Jacinda Arden government and was responsible for the country’s Covid response.

January 27: Floods in Auckland

On January 27th, Auckland faced flooding after rains. The city declared a state of emergency.

The Prime Minister also advised people to stay home and not do unnecessary travel.

The National Emergency Management Agency of New Zealand was mobilised and worked to keep people safe.

Rains were still going on till January 30th, and rescue and relief work was ongoing.

February 14: Cyclone Gabrielle

On Tuesday, February 14, Cyclone Gabrielle reached New Zealand.

New Zealand has declared a national emergency.

The Prime Minister has said that Cyclone Gabrielle is the strongest cyclone to hit New Zealand in the 21st Century. He attributed the cyclone and its damage to climate change.

The 21st century started in 2000. The years from 2000 – 2099 make up the 21st century and the years from 2000 – 2999 make up the third millennium. This is because the first century was from 00 – 99 years and the first millennium was from 0000 – 999 AD.

Image tweeted by New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency

February 15: 6.0 Earthquake

This image was tweeted 7 hours ago by the NZ Emergency Management Agency.

These are difficult times in New Zealand and our thoughts are with the people of NZ.

The New Zealand government has a website called Get Ready that shares advice with citizens on what to do if a natural event happens.

You can read the guidelines here.