The Prime Minister has broken with his usual practice of not commenting on his children to say that he is now working from hospital while one of his kids receives hospital treatment.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon, Chris Hipkins said he didn't normally talk publicly about his children "because I want them to grow up out of the public spotlight".
"But sometimes it's unavoidable," he said.
"Both my kids have a blood condition called Von Willebrand Syndrome. It means that sometimes when they get bleeding noses or other health issues they need a bit of extra medical help to get sorted."
Hipkins said his four-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," he said.
"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.
"Lots of New Zealanders rely on the generosity of those who give blood. Thank you to all those who help out people like my little girl."
Following his ascension to the role of Prime Minister, Hipkins appealed for New Zealanders to respect his family's privacy.
