23 Aug 2023

PM Hipkins to work from hospital with sick child

8:23 pm on 23 August 2023
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins delivers his first major foreign policy speech.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is working from hospital while his young daughter gets treatment for a blood condition.

Hipkins posted on social media that his two children both have a blood condition named Von Willebrand Syndrome, a clotting disorder.

He will be unable to attend some engagements while spending time with his family, he wrote.

"I don't normally talk publicly about my kids because I want them to grow up out of the public spotlight, but sometimes it's unavoidable.

"Today my 4-year-old is in hospital for some needed treatment, so for the rest of the day while that is happening I'll be working from the hospital while I'm focused on her.

"All going well I'll be back at work soon, but thanks to my colleagues for covering a few engagements over the next couple of days that I'm going to have to miss."

Hipkins, who has said he is separated from his wife, has two young children, a boy and a girl.

"Lots of New Zealanders rely on the generosity of those who give blood," he wrote.

"Thank you to all those who help out people like my little girl."

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