Chris Hipkins has emerged from the first meeting with his caucus following Saturday's election defeat, still the leader of the Labour Party.
The meeting at Parliament ran for nearly two hours, but he told reporters afterwards they needed time to farewell departing MPs and give those staying a chance to talk over the implications of the result.
He says any future decisions about the leadership are up to the caucus, but for now he's leader at a critical time.
Political editor Jane Patterson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
