Chris Hipkins: Outgoing Prime Minister on preparing to exit government and the Israel Gaza conflict

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he has been spending a lot of time lately packing boxes as he prepares to depart office.  “My boxes are all packed, we’re ready to go,” Hipkins told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking.  Hipkins said the transition phase is a little bit frustrating.  “I can’t really embrace the position of opposition, and I can’t embrace the position of Government,” said Hipkins.  “We’re just here keeping the fire burning.”  He said yesterday’s cabinet meeting only touched on the Israel and Gaza conflict and what New Zealand’s stance is.  He said the position was that Israel needs to comply with international humanitarian law, but they “absolutely” had the right to defend themselves against Hamas.  Hipkins said the country’s stance is very similar to Australia’s which was shared in a joint letter from the country’s former Prime Ministers.  He said he would have no problem if New Zealand’s former Prime Minister group wanted to form a statement as well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.