Chris Hipkins says he's excited for Grant Robertson about his opportunity to change tack.

The former Deputy Prime Minister today announced he's retiring from politics, and will become Otago University's Vice-Chancellor from July.

He says he's most proud of getting New Zealand economically through Covid.

The Labour leader says it's all only come together for Robertson in recent weeks.

"He's kept me informed- the appointment itself was only finalised first thing this morning, so it's been announced as soon as it was finalised."

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