Chris Hipkins' iconic cap and sunnies from Newshub interview for auction on Trade Me

  • 22/01/2023

The cap and sunglasses Chris Hipkins made famous in a Newshub interview on Friday are up for auction on Trade Me.

Hipkins was out for some exercise in Napier when he was chased down by Newshub political reporter Amelia Wade for questioning.

"Don't interview me when I'm in my tracksuit, that's not fair," he joked.

A screenshot of the moment was shared to Twitter by Newshub political editor Jenna Lynch where it went viral.

"The bogan we need right now #Hutt" one tweeted in response.

"Absolute man of the people in those speed dealers," another said.

Now his gear has been put up for sale in order to raise funds for the New Zealand Labour Party.

"You are bidding on the cap and sunnies Chris Hipkins wore in his iconic early morning interview about becoming Labour's new leader," the Trade Me listing reads.

"Black and wraparound, this Hutt-issue headgear gives you the cred to hustle a great price on new mags, audition for Westside season 7, or become Prime Minister.

"Dress them up for Parliament or keep them casual at the Cossie Club - with this hat and these shades, you'll be styling it like a world leader in no time.

"This is a unique, one-of-a-kind combo of truly historic significance. It'll appeal to fashionistas and political tragics alike. We'll even throw in a certificate of authenticity for the successful bidder."

There are some conditions however - the winning bid will be counted as a political donation under New Zealand law, and if the winning bid is over $5000 it will be subject to public disclosure using the purchaser's real name.

The cap and sunglasses can also only be legally sold to a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand.