Prime Minister Chris Hipkins made an appearance at the Apec Business Advisory Council meeting last Sunday evening.

Hipkins acknowledged that Auckland was currently going through a hard time due to the impending Cyclone Gabrielle, on top on the flurry of disasters impacting the region.

NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says that Chris Hipkins' appearance at Sunday's welcome reception was a surprise, as guests were unsure as to whether he would appear.

Fran O'Sullivan observed that Chris Hipkins was well received, as he made plenty of jokes and enforced the idea that Auckland needed a boost, as it was the economic powerhouse of the nation.

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