Labour leader Chris Hipkins has rejected a series of allegations made in a recent social media post, saying he will not engage in a public dispute and is focused on protecting his children.

The comments follow a Facebook post by his ex wife, which has circulated widely online in recent days.

Speaking to media, Hipkins said “In the time that I’ve been in politics I’ve made a very conscious effort to keep my private life private and to keep my family out of the spotlight, particularly my children.”

“You won’t find photos of my kids anywhere on social media, you won’t find me talking about them beyond generic references to being a parent anywhere in public.”

“I’ve made a real effort based on a conscious decision I made when I first got into politics that I would keep my private life private from my work and I intend to stick with that.”

“I’m aware that Jade has made some allegations or some references in a recent Facebook post. I reject the allegations she’s made and the characterization of those events.”

“I don’t intend to get into a backwards and forwards on those. I don’t think that would be the best thing for anybody involved, but particularly not for my children.”

“I just don’t intend to comment further on those specific issues that she has raised. I don’t think that it’s in anyone’s interests to litigate those through the media.”

“I’d say to those New Zealanders that I’m putting the best interest of my children first.”

“Marriage breakups are very difficult. Everybody who’s been through that understands that marriage breakups are very difficult.”

“There are always going to be disagreements, there are always going to be things that you regret when your relationships break up. A public forum like this is not the way to litigate those.”

“No, but I’m not going to litigate the details of any of those things publicly. I don’t think that’s in anyone’s best interest to do that.”

“I’ve been very clear, I’m not going to debate these very personal matters to do with the breakup of my past marriage in public.”

Asked directly whether he had an extramarital relationship with a staff member while a minister, Hipkins said “No.”

“I have not sought any legal advice about Jade’s post or about Jade.”

“I have sought some advice about the potential publication of allegations against me that are untrue.”

“I’m not going to share my legal advice publicly.”

“I haven’t spoken to her at this point.” I’ve had a lot of lovely messages of support from Labour’s MPs.”