Chris Hipkins on Covid Regrets, Sausage Roll Memes & Life as Prime Minister
Episode Description
Chris Hipkins was the 41st Prime Minister of New Zealand.
And at the time of recording this podcast, he is the leader of the Labour party and hoping to become Prime Minister again.
This podcast is a small part of the Chris “Chippy” Hipkins story. It was an honor to connect with him for his first long form podcast that focused on who he is rather than what he does. I am hoping this will be Chris Hipkins like you have never heard him before.
Some of the ground we cover includes
+ The BTS of all his viral moments including the infamous Covid 19 “spread your legs” meme.
+ His first introductions to parliament and his recollections on going on to land the most important job in New Zealand.
+ His relationship with Jacinda Ardern. His thoughts on Trump, Luxon and others.
+ His mental health, adversities and the role therapy has played in his life in recent years.
+ His life outside of work, including his love of DIY. And much, much more.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction 17:53 University Life 38:32 Transitioning to Prime Ministership 49:43 Early Political Career and Influences 01:05:21 COVID-19 Response and Lessons Learned 01:10:17 Life as Prime Minister 01:20:45 Balancing Daily Duties and Strategic Vision 01:31:42 Mental Health and Resilience 01:42:51 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
Brief Summary
Chris Hipkins discusses his political journey, challenges of public service, and insights on leadership and mental health.
Key points
- Innovation and Inspiration. Visiting innovative businesses can uplift and inspire leaders.
- The Importance of Dialogue. Maintaining conversations with those we disagree with can prevent polarization.
- Evolving Views in Politics. Being open to change is crucial for politicians to stay relevant.
- Mistakes in Politics. Acknowledging mistakes can humanize politicians and build public respect.
- Unexpected Prime Ministerial Moment. The speaker reflects on being unexpectedly thrust into the role of Prime Minister after Justinda's resignation.
- Working for Trevor. Learned a lot about politics from Trevor, who was a brash yet caring mentor.
Ask about Dom Harvey
Episode highlights
- Innovation and InspirationVisiting innovative businesses can uplift and inspire leaders.“It’s hard not to feel kind of inspired when you get to spend time around people who are doing that kind of stuff.”1:51Apr 8, 2025
- The Importance of DialogueMaintaining conversations with those we disagree with can prevent polarization.“Keep talking to those people in your family who you disagree with.”11:49Apr 8, 2025
- Evolving Views in PoliticsBeing open to change is crucial for politicians to stay relevant.“If you’re not willing to change, you become a relic of the past.”23:24Apr 8, 2025
- Mistakes in PoliticsAcknowledging mistakes can humanize politicians and build public respect.“Politicians are human. We make mistakes, too.”30:02Apr 8, 2025
- Unexpected Prime Ministerial MomentThe speaker reflects on being unexpectedly thrust into the role of Prime Minister after Justinda's resignation.“I was probably the next highest profile person in the government.”39:27Apr 8, 2025
- Working for TrevorLearned a lot about politics from Trevor, who was a brash yet caring mentor.“He never ever blamed his staff.”48:51Apr 8, 2025
- Becoming Minister of HealthTaking on the health portfolio during a pandemic was a significant challenge.“Becoming Minister of Health is a big thing.”1:04:12Apr 8, 2025
- Navigating Dual ResponsibilitiesManaging health and education during a pandemic proved challenging and frustrating.“I never imagined we’d still be dealing with COVID 2 years later.”1:05:40Apr 8, 2025
