37. Chris Hipkins, New Zealand PM: Working with Xi Jinping, fighting to stay in power, and zero covid's double-edged sword
Sep 24, 2023
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New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins discusses the effective Covid-19 response, relationships with various countries, free speech, upbringing, work-life balance in politics, and a memorable gaff during the pandemic.
Transitioning into the role of Prime Minister requires reflection, tough decision-making, and inner resilience.
New Zealand's successful COVID-19 response included a shift from flattening the curve to elimination and required significant leadership and immediate decision-making.
Navigating relationships with China requires predictability, consistent communication, and a balanced approach for global stability.
Deep dives
The Challenges of the Campaign and Post-COVID-19 Politics
The Prime Minister discusses the current election campaign and the unique challenges it presents. He reflects on the psychology of campaigning and how it differs when facing momentum versus an uphill struggle. He also highlights the post-COVID-19 hangover that many countries, including New Zealand, are experiencing, and the impact it has on the campaign. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on one's values as a politician and accepting the factors outside of one's control in politics.
Leadership Through the Pandemic
The Prime Minister reflects on his experience in leading New Zealand's response to COVID-19. He discusses the initial strategy of flattening the curve and how it evolved into an elimination strategy due to the country's success in managing the virus. He highlights the pressure and significant decisions that came with managing the pandemic, as well as the toll it took on leaders making immediate and consequential choices. He expresses gratitude for the success of New Zealand's response and the ability to navigate through such a challenging time.
Transitioning to Prime Minister and Challenges of Leadership
The Prime Minister shares his experience of transitioning into the role of Prime Minister and the differences between being a Cabinet Minister and the country's leader. He discusses the ceremonial aspects of the position and the responsibility of making tough decisions that others may not be willing to make. He emphasizes the importance of being able to switch off and reflect, as well as the need for strong inner resilience to thrive in politics.
The Importance of Family Support and Personal Resilience
The Prime Minister acknowledges the challenges of being a politician without the support of a traditional family structure. He discusses the choice to keep his family out of the public spotlight to protect them from scrutiny. He also highlights the importance of relying on extended family and close friends for support and maintaining personal resilience to navigate the demands of the job.
Navigating International Relationships, Particularly with China
The Prime Minister discusses the complexity of New Zealand's relationship with China, both economically and in terms of security arrangements. He highlights the need for predictability and consistent communication with China, while also acknowledging areas of disagreement and tensions. He emphasizes the challenges faced by countries, including New Zealand, in navigating relationships with China and the importance of finding a balanced approach for global stability.
What is it like going from cabinet minister to Prime Minister? Are politicians in New Zealand more courteous than politicians in the UK? Why was New Zealand's Covid-19 response so effective?
From the middle of his campaign trail for re-election, New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is here to discuss all these questions and more with Rory and Alastair in this week's Leading.
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