Labour leader Chris Hipkins has called Aotearoa's next elected Prime Minister, National leader Christopher Luxon to congratulate him on a result that's pushed Labour into opposition.
On current numbers National and ACT have enough votes to form a coalition government, as a result Labour is likely to lose several of its MPs who rode in on Labour's red wave in 2020's election.
Speaking from Lower Hutt to a hall filled with Labour Party supporters, volunteers, staff and MPs, Hipkins thanked his team for the campaign they ran.
"We have run the biggest ground campaign, knocking on doors and calling people on phones that we have ever run, from the bottom of my heart thank you so much," Hipkins said.
"Unfortunately, the result tonight shows that that wasn't enough."
Hipkins called National leader and likely Aotearoa's 42nd Prime Minister Luxon to congratulate him on his party's results.
"While it's MMP and the numbers are likely to move around a little bit before the final count as it stands Labour is not in a position to form another government."
He said Saturday night's result is "not one any of us wanted" but he's proud of what the Labour government has achieved in its six years at the top.
"Becoming Prime Minister earlier this year was the honour of my life, following on from my good friend and colleague Jacinda it was not going to be an easy task."
While holding back tears Hipkins thanked his whānau for "everything you have done for me".
"To my mum and dad for all the love you have given me and for all of the gaps that you have plugged over the last nine months, I really want to say thank you to you."
He also revealed "someone special" who most people won't know of - his partner Toni.
"Being Prime Minister isn't the only special thing that happened for me this year and I want to thank you for being with me every step of the way over the last few months as we have gone through this campaign."
Hipkins thanked his children too for all they have sacrificed "more than anyone will ever know".
"I know that they're going to be happy that they're going to spend a bit more time with their dad now."
Speaking to Newshub after his speech, Hipkins acknowledged his MPs who have served in government over the past three years and are unlikely to return.
"Democracy can be pretty brutal at times."
When asked if Hipkins plans to stay in Parliament now Labour is likely to be in the opposition benches, Hipkins said he's already spoken to members of his team, where they've indicated decisions won't be rushed.
"I think everybody wants a bit of time to take stock and to reflect on this result and where we go from here. The Labour Party has been incredibly good to me, and I'm absolutely committed to doing the right thing by them," he said.
"I think we just need to take a bit of time, we don’t have to rush anything, we've got three years clearly and so we'll take some time."
