Chris Hipkins Sworn In As New Zealand's Prime Minister

Chris Hipkins has been sworn in as New Zealand's new prime minister after Jacinda Ardern left parliament to resign from office on Wednesday.

Hipkins was sworn in by Governor General Cindy Kiro during a ceremony in the capital Wellington, saying he was "energized and excited by the challenges ahead."

He added; "This is the biggest privilege and responsibility of my life."

Hipkins said it was an "immensely proud moment" for him to take "the baton of responsibility" from Ardern.

He also singled out the cost of living as one of his most urgent priorities.

Ardern made her last public appearance as prime minister earlier on Wednesday, walking out of the Beehive parliament building as hundreds of staff and onlookers gave her applause.