Why Hipkins visiting China is really about NZ politics

Why Hipkins visiting China is really about NZ politics
Chris Hipkins and his plans in China almost bring back memories of John Key. (Image: Getty)
Dileepa Fonseka
Chris Hipkins has spent a surprising amount of his life along State Highway 2.  The former Victoria University of Wellington student union leader started life in the Hutt Valley, moved down to Wellington City to study, later moved across to parliament and the Beehive as a policy analyst, was an opposition politician, then a minister before becoming the first Wellington electorate MP to serve as prime minister since 1972.  This outlook has been reflected in government priorities: sausage rolls, bread and butter, deliverables over visio...

More Opinion

A year of tech milestones
Opinion

Peter Griffin: A year of tech milestones

NZ’s tech sector in 2025 has been a rare bright spot in a decidedly average year.

Peter Griffin 26 Nov 2025
How National learned to love KiwiSaver
Opinion

David Chaplin: How National learned to love KiwiSaver

National is whistling in a different key on savings tax incentives today.

David Chaplin 25 Nov 2025
Why a 5% mortgage for 5 years looks good
Opinion

Cameron Bagrie: Why a 5% mortgage for 5 years looks good

The RBNZ to cut by 25bps this week to 2.25% but then likely done.

Cameron Bagrie 24 Nov 2025