Wedding bells are in Labour leader Chris Hipkins’ future after announcing his engagement today to partner Toni Grace.
“I didn’t win the Powerball over the weekend but I did hit the jackpot,” he posted on Instagram on Monday afternoon.
“Toni, every day with you is incredible. Through the ups and downs of politics, parenthood and life you are always so calm, optimistic and caring. You’re my rock, and I’m so excited about our life together.
“There simply aren’t enough words to express how much I love you and how lucky I am you’ve agreed to marry me.”
The 47-year-old Opposition leader included a photograph of the couple beaming as Grace proudly showed off her engagement ring.
The pair’s relationship sparked confusion on election night in 2023 after Hipkins paid tribute to Grace in a speech.
“There is someone else I want to thank tonight, someone that most of you won’t know, and that is my partner, Toni,” he said.
“Being Prime Minister is not the only special thing that has happened for me this year and I want to thank you for being with me every step of the way over the last few months as we have gone through this campaign.”
He later clarified it was “Toni with an ‘i'”.
Hipkins has two children with his ex-wife, Jade Hipkins.
