Prime Minister has today announced she will stand down on February 7 and will not be seeking re-election.
The Labour leader said she would be stepping down as she “no longer had enough in the tank” to do the job.
“I know when I have enough left in the tank to do it justice,” she told New Zealanders during a press conference from the Caucus retreat in Napier.
“I would be doing a disservice to New Zealanders to continue.”
She made the announcement choking back tears.
“This has been the most fulfilling five and a half years of my life,” Ardern said.
The news shocked New Zealanders and people overseas, who immediately took to social media to post their messages to and about Ardern.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on Twitter that “Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength.”
“She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities. Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me,” he added.
Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 19, 2023
She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities.
Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me. pic.twitter.com/QJ64mNCJMI
“Jacinda Ardern showed the world that a small country could be a leader internationally; a leader in decency and in building bridges between people, cultures and religions at home and abroad,” wrote Mike Rann, chair of the Climate Group and former South Australia Premier. “She also deserves enormous credit for her government’s management of the Covid 19 crisis.”
Jacinda Ardern showed the world that a small country could be a leader internationally; a leader in decency and in building bridges between people, cultures and religions at home and abroad.She also deserves enormous credit for her government’s management of the Covid 19 crisis.
— Mike Rann (@Mike_Rann) January 19, 2023
Prime Minister @JacindaArdern has guided New Zealand through crises and seized opportunities by leading with foresight, integrity and empathy. Her country is better off because of her remarkable leadership—and the rest of us are too. pic.twitter.com/3Mx2iYCnsE
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 21, 2023
In the UK, Kiwi journalist and Daily Mail columnist Dan Wootton, who has long been outspoken against Ardern’s policies, particularly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, said that Ardern resigned “knowing full well she was about to be brutally booted from office”.
Jacinda Ardern has resigned as New Zealand’s Prime Minister knowing full well she was about to be brutally booted from office by Kiwis who woke up to her Covid authoritarianism, Be Kind hypocrisy and an economic catastrophe she inflicted on an amazing country.
— Dan Wootton (@danwootton) January 19, 2023
Good riddance.
News of Ardern’s resignation has been making global headlines since the Prime Minister’s announcement.
The Washington Post pointed out that “Ardern won global praise for her leadership style during the coronavirus pandemic and the Christchurch terrorist attack”.
Breaking news: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern resigns ahead of national elections, saying she will step down by Feb. 7. Ardern won global praise for her leadership style during the coronavirus pandemic and the Christchurch terrorist attack. https://t.co/LeabQ0i3R0
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 19, 2023
I remember the first time I met @JacindaArdern and her partner. It was 2018, during UNGA & Climate Week. She and her partner walked into a reception - she was carting their new baby in a car seat. It was the best.
— Catherine McKenna (@cathmckenna) January 19, 2023
She did things her way. And as a woman, I am very grateful. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/zsmDobfuj2
And I suppose there's one more lesson to take away, especially for us moms. @JacindaArdern is modeling what it looks like it to put ourselves first. As the saying goes: put your oxygen mask on first. That, to me, is true leadership.#ThankYouJacinda
— reshmasaujani (@reshmasaujani) January 19, 2023
Wow, I gotta hand it to her for her honesty though. This makes me sad and it shows what a drain leading can be. Jacinda Ardern is an inspiring leader to so many of us and she will always be inspiring to me. I wish her all the best. https://t.co/MmQ9xz6uUE
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) January 19, 2023
New Zealand actor Sam Neill said he was “not surprised” by Ardern’s announcement. “Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern resigned today. I am not surprised nor do I blame her. Her treatment, the pile on, in the last few months has been disgraceful and embarrassing. All the bullies, the misogynists, the aggrieved. She deserved so much better. A great leader. Thanks PM,” he wrote on Twitter.
#PrimeMinister @jacindaardern resigned today. I am not surprised nor do I blame her. Her treatment, the pile on, in the last few months has been disgraceful and embarrassing. All the bullies, the misogynists, the aggrieved. She deserved so much better. A great leader. Thanks PM! pic.twitter.com/7b1AhjBXrW
— Sam Neill (@TwoPaddocks) January 19, 2023
What I'll always remember is how PM Jacinda Ardern's leadership lead to New Zealand banning assault rifles and military-style semi-automatic weapons in just SIX days after the Christchurch mosque attacks. No greater example of what going beyond thoughts and prayers looks like.
— Ahmed Ali (@MrAhmednurAli) January 19, 2023
Kiwi actress Lucy Lawless also expressed her views on Ardern’s resignation.
“I’m wishing Jacinda Ardern a joyous future. A grand human being who always gives 110%. Deserves a dang big holiday before embarking on her next great adventure. Thankyou, Ma’am,” Lawless wrote.
I’m Wishing @jacindaardern a joyous future. A grand human being who always gives 110%. Deserves a dang big holiday before embarking on her next great adventure. Thankyou, Ma’am!
— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) January 19, 2023
Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard also tweeted a tribute to Ardern. “Jacinda Ardern showed the world a new style of leadership by deciding to foreground kindness and empathy. Her example has been a shining light to many, especially women. I congratulate her on all she has achieved to date and wish her well in this next phase of her life,” she tweeted.
.@jacindaardern showed the world a new style of leadership by deciding to foreground kindness and empathy. Her example has been a shining light to many, especially women. I congratulate her on all she has achieved to date and wish her well in this next phase of her life.
— Julia Gillard (@JuliaGillard) January 19, 2023
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed his best wishes to Ardern, calling her “a friend”.
“Thank you Jacinda Ardern for your partnership and your friendship – and for your empathic, compassionate, strong, and steady leadership over these past several years. The difference you have made is immeasurable. I’m wishing you and your family nothing but the best, my friend,” the Canadian PM wrote on Twitter.
Thank you, @JacindaArdern, for your partnership and your friendship – and for your empathic, compassionate, strong, and steady leadership over these past several years. The difference you have made is immeasurable. I’m wishing you and your family nothing but the best, my friend. pic.twitter.com/72Q5p9GZzg
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 19, 2023
Monica Lewinsky tweeted simply “she’s amazing” with the hashtag #jacindaardern.
she’s amazing. #JacindaArdern
— Monica Lewinsky (she/her) (@MonicaLewinsky) January 19, 2023
Prime Minister @jacindaardern there will never be another like you.I wish there were. You have my admiration, my respect, my well wishes for you+your beautiful family. I have watched you shine uniquely+bravely from afar.Thank you 4showing the rest of the world what’s possible.
— P!nk (@Pink) January 19, 2023
Congratulations @jacindaardern on a great innings as PM of New Zealand. Your compassion and leadership have inspired all of us and you have always been a great ( although not an entirely uncritical😉) friend of Australia. 🙏🙏🙏
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) January 19, 2023
Ardern also announced this year’s election will be on Saturday, October 14.
She will stay as an MP of Mt Albert until April to avoid the need for a byelection. Ardern also said she has no plans beyond that as yet, and is looking forward to spending more time with her family.
- More to come.