Carmel Sepuloni's appointment as Deputy Prime Minister has been rightly celebrated, but how will she fare as Chris Hipkins' right-hand woman?
She's well-liked in the Labour caucus and seen as a safe pair of hands - but has Carmel Sepuloni got what it takes to be the Deputy Prime Minister?
"You want a deputy who's never going to roll you and that's kind of been the hallmark of a deputy to a good prime minister or leader of the opposition," says Today FM host Tova O'Brien.
"I think Carmel Sepuloni will just be someone that Chris Hipkins can rely on, someone he can rely on."
Sepuloni is the first Pasifika person to hold the position. For the last five-and-a-half years, she's had the high-profile job of Social Development Minister - she's also been the Minister of ACC, and held the arts and culture portfolio.
O'Brien has spent years reporting from Parliament's press gallery.
"She's very very well respected ... she's a safe pair of hands, she's often ranked quite highly at the end of year who's up who's down ministerial ranking lists or report cards from different political editors and press gallery reporters. She's solid, she's got an answer for everything.
"I think where the rubber probably hits the road for her a bit more, or where some more of that criticism seeps in, is from people who have worked with unemployed New Zealanders or beneficiaries and her advocacy there - I think people have felt pretty let down."
Although there have been significant increases to benefits under the Labour Government, questions have been raised about how quickly the recommendations of the Welfare Expert Advisory Group have been implemented.
Former Labour MP Luamanuvao Dame Winne Laban paved the way for Sepuloni, as New Zealand's first Pasifika woman MP.
She was also in Parliament alongside Sepuloni for about two years.
She says there was a huge sense of celebration within the Pacific community when Sepuloni was chosen to be the Deputy Prime Minister.
"You know how the frangipani grapevine works, all the texting and all the messages and people are very excited ... it all gives well for New Zealand's role in the Pacific region.
"Carmel has always impressed me, because she's very very strong, very hard working and there's a fearlessness there about her," she says.
"Carmel's appointment is the realisation of a dream. Most of our population is young, they're New Zealand-born and they can say 'gosh, if she can be there I can be there too', and the importance of being able to see yourself in leadership is a large statement.''
To hear more about Carmel Sepuloni's political career and how she might fare as Deputy Prime Minister, check out the full podcast episode.
You can find out how to listen and subscribe to The Detail here.
You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.
