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

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

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.

Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.

The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more.

The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...