New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who took office as the world's youngest female prime minister, announced in February that she would resign as prime minister.

Lawmakers from the ruling Labor Party voted to elect the country's new Prime Minister and party leader.

The only candidate, 44-year-old Education and Police Minister Chris Hipkins, has been named the country's new Prime Minister and Labor Party leader.

"I am excited by the challenges ahead. This is the biggest responsibility of my life," Hipkins said in a press release after taking office.

Hipkins, who will be sworn in on Wednesday, will remain Prime Minister until the general election on 14 October.