Poised to be New Zealand's next prime minister, Chris Hipkins tells reporters he is "looking forward to getting into the work." "I am really looking forward to the job, I am feeling energized and enthusiastic," says New Zealand's former Covid-19 response minister. "It's a massive honour to have this opportunity to be Prime Minister." The 44-year-old emerged Saturday as his Labour Party's sole contender to replace Jacinda Ardern following her shock resignation barely 48 hours earlier. SOUNDBITES