Election 2023: Chris Hipkins has packed his boxes, ready to leave Beehive as special vote count released on Friday

Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to reporters after a caucus meeting to farewell MPs who have lost their jobs. Photo / George Heard

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.”

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins on the night of the election.

Hipkins said yesterday’s Cabinet meeting only touched on the Israel and Gaza conflict and what New Zealand’s stance was.

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.

Hipkins told TVNZ’s Breakfast a complete ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was an “unrealistic prospect” at this point.

”What we have asked for is a pause to hostilities because I think we’ve got to get some time. We’ve also been very clear on our position around humanitarian supplies - they have to be allowed through.”

Asked if New Zealand had been strong enough in its condemnation of the situation in Gaza, Hipkins said everyone could see there was a humanitarian crisis.

What Hamas had done was totally wrong, brutal and horrific, he said.

“Israel absolutely has a right to defend itself but they also need to act within international law and humanitarian law.”

Hipkins reiterated on the AM Show that he is committed to retaining his position as the Labour Party’s leader.

”I’ve still got a bit of fight left in me, I’m still pretty passionate about New Zealand and passionate about New Zealand politics,” said Hipkins.

”I continue to be very committed to the Labour Party.”

Asked how he and partner Toni Grace are, Hipkins said “very good thank you, we’re very happy”.

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins and his new partner Toni Grace at the election night party. Photo / George Heard

He said they recently did a media interview after receiving so much attention following his announcement on election night.

However, he added, “I am intending to go back to my past practice of keeping my private life private”.

Special votes, which included votes from Kiwis overseas and those who voted outside their electorate, made up about 20 per cent of the overall vote. The result of those votes would be made public at 2pm on Friday.

They could determine whether National and Act need New Zealand First in order to form the next Government.

After Labour’s crushing defeat in the election and a subsequent caucus meeting to debrief, Hipkins said he was prepared to hold the position of Labour leader within the party as a new Government was ushered in.

Hipkins said at the time that the election result was “obviously very disappointing for us”.

On the preliminary count from October 14, National and Act received enough of the party vote to hold the barest majority in the House - 61 seats out of 121.