Jacinda Ardern’s resignation as New Zealand’s Prime Minister prompts us to reflect on her time as an admirable example of a Labour leader who personified democratic ideals and led a nation through multiple crises with kindness and empathy.
On the 19th January, Ardern announced that she would resign, stepping down no later than the 7th February. In a shocking announcement, Ardern explained: “I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple.” Chris Hipkins, who had been a prominent minister under Arden, has since replaced her.
Days later at Ardern’s final public appearance the outgoing prime minister received a rapturous welcome and in an emotional speech said: “I leave with greater love and affection for Aotearoa New Zealand and its people than when I started…I didn’t think that was possible.”
In the past year, Ardern has faced mounting criticism, particularly concerning the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Such criticism has fuelled an increase in violent threats towards the prime minister, a problem which she asserts did not contribute to her resignation.
Enduring an undoubtedly arduous term, the PM encountered consistent crises. Beyond the pandemic and a volcanic eruption which left 24 dead, in March 2019 a lone gunman tragically massacred 51 people in a racially motivated attack on two separate Mosques in Christchurch.
Following the heinous attack, Ardern demonstrated a humanistic approach to comforting survivors and the wider community. She appeared at prayers and remembrance gatherings wearing a headscarf and embracing men, women and children. Such actions quickly established a connection with both domestic and international Muslim communities.
In a unifying speech days after the attack, the PM declared: “They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand.”
Ardern’s gained affinity with the Muslim community prompted a conversation around the globe about a new style of leadership which embraced togetherness and mutual support across ethnic, social and religious borders.
Furthermore, practical measures were promptly implemented including an outright ban on semi-automatic weapons akin to those used in the attack and a firearm buyback scheme which incentivises owners to relinquish such weapons.
Ardern’s leadership style mixed bold and resolute action with kindness and empathy often absent in modern politics. Such sincerity operated as a counterweight to the inflammatory and divisive politics of the time seen elsewhere in leaders such as Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, Boris Johnson in the UK, and the particularly hostile rhetoric of Donald Trump in the United States.
Decisive action was also taken during the pandemic in which Ardern declared a national health emergency and immediately closed New Zealand’s borders. The government’s initial response to Covid-19 proved effective but as the crisis endured, Ardern’s policies became unpopular amongst parts of the population. Misinformation campaigns circulated as they did elsewhere in the world and anti-vaxxers, though a small group, were vocal.
In a rejection of lockdown measures, protestors occupied the grounds of Parliament House in central Wellington for approximately three weeks in February 2022. It was during this year that pockets of ugliness began to appear, including violent threats towards the prime minister.
Ardern has also faced casual sexism on repeated occasions, particularly from journalists. When asked in an interview in 2017 whether “women should have to choose between becoming a mother and having a career”, she swiftly batted away this comment: It is unacceptable “that women should have to answer that question in the workplace,” she said.
More conclusively, concrete wins for Ardern’s government included an improvement in child poverty metrics, a landmark fair pay agreement which increased the bargaining power of low-wage workers, enhanced parental leave, the full decriminalisation of abortion and financial redress for the disenfranchised and stolen from indigenous Māori; all objectives which were set out upon Ardern’s inauguration.
Despite progress, the prime minister did, however, fail to resolve the high-priority housing crisis as well as deliver on climate change incentives. In addition, New Zealand faced rising inflation which contributed to the sense of government underachievement. Such an economic environment soured the mood on New Zealand’s future and furthered a pessimism which was reflected in a downturn in both Ardern’s and the wider party’s popularity.
Regardless, beyond the metrics Ardern represented a thoughtful and compassionate style of leadership which undoubtedly unified the nation in times of crises and resonated amongst the marginalised, disenfranchised and bereaved from around the globe. In an era characterised by populist rhetoric and polarisation, Ardern rose above the fray, leading with boldness and simultaneously, warmth.
In her own words: “I hope I leave New Zealanders with the belief that you can be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused, that you can be your own kind of leader, one that knows when it’s time to go”.