The news that Chris Hipkins is set to be New Zealand's new Prime Minister has made its way around the world.
International media outlets are doing their research on the man who is in line to replace Jacinda Ardern as leader.
Hipkins' considerable experience and humour are being highlighted in news articles online, but there have been questions raised about whether his role in New Zealand's approach to the COVID-19 pandemic could hinder or help the Labour MP.
While Hipkins still needs to be formally endorsed by the Labour Party in the House of Representatives on Sunday before he can become leader, the news has still made waves all over the world.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted he had a "warm discussion" with Hipkins on Sunday morning.
"I congratulate him and look forward to working with him as Prime Minister," he said.
Hipkins told reporters on Saturday he has spoken with Albanese earlier in the day and hoped to catch up with him in person fairly soon.
The UK media giant BBC said Hipkins faces an "uphill battle" as Labour's popularity is low.
"The incoming Labour leader faces an uphill battle if he wants to remain in the top job after the 2023 election.
"Inflation and increasing social inequality saw Ms Ardern's popularity fall to all-time lows according to opinion polls.
"They also suggested public approval of the country's Labour Party was similarly low."
The Guardian highlighted Hipkins' experience as a senior Labour MP.
"An experienced MP with a ruthless streak in the debating chamber and an intimate knowledge of the machinery of government, Hipkins will face perhaps the biggest challenge of his political career: persuading New Zealanders to grant Labour another term in government, without Ardern's star power at the helm," the outlet wrote.
But noted Hipkin's background as the COVID-19 Response Minister could either hinder or help him going forward.
"It gave him a significant profile and made him a household name, but also gives him immediate associations with a chapter many New Zealanders are now hoping to put behind them."
The New York Times also said Hipkins may struggle to move beyond his association with pandemic policy.
"[It's] potentially a double-edged sword with voters eager to put the worst of the last three years behind them."
The outlet also wrote Hipkins "has cultivated a political brand of being approachable and down to earth".
ABC News wrote a "meet the man set to replace Jacinda Ardern" piece where they mention some of Hipkins humorous moments including his walk down a nature reserve after he was late to a COVID presser, his birthday cake made out of sausage roll and, of course, the infamous "spread your legs" comment.
The Labour Party caucus will meet at 1pm on Sunday to endorse the nomination and confirm Chris Hipkins as Party leader. If or when that occurs, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern needs to tender her resignation to the Governor-General and Hipkins needs to be sworn in.
Hipkins would be New Zealand's 41st Prime Minister.
