Jacinda Ardern announces resignation as New Zealand prime minister — as it happened
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Anthony Albanese says Jacinda Ardern has "demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities" following her resignation as New Zealand prime minister.
Look back on our live blog as it happened.
By Shiloh Payne
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By Shiloh Payne
Foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic says Ardern's departure as New Zealand PM is unlikely to have a "seismic" impact on Australia-NZ relations.
By Shiloh Payne
Thank you Jacinda. You gave me hope that politicians can be kind, empathetic and female! at a time where we weren't seeing much of that in Australia. Your global influence will be felt for generations to come. – Milli
Absolutely agree. She has demonstrated grace and intellect that is extremely rare in leadership today. God bless her and her country. – Sheryl M
Her commitment was clear, however she has struggled to convince New Zealanders of her ability to deliver as the polls show. However, a voice of common sense on the world stage that will be missed. – James
By Shiloh Payne
Foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic says Jacinda Ardern was struggling in the polls in the last year or so.
"There was a perception, fair or not, she didn't share (New Zealander's) immediate bread-and-butter concerns, she was more focused on other issues, and of course, the COVID pandemic," he says.
"It really took a battering ram to New Zealand's economy and in particular to people in the small business, for example."
He says Ms Ardern's response to the COVID-19 pandemic was praised by many, but it generated resentment from those caught up in harsh and prolonged lockdowns.
"Now, of course, we'll never know whether Jacinda Ardern would have won in any case."
By Jessica Riga
Jacinda Ardern was serenaded and received a standing ovation from her party room after announcing her resignation as New Zealand Prime Minister.
By Shiloh Payne
Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, says Ms Ardern led with calmness.
By Shiloh Payne
Jacinda Ardern's Caucus will vote on Sunday to elect a new leader of the Labour party, TVNZ's Jacob Johnson says.
"I suppose the obvious choice would have been the Deputy Prime Minister, Grant Robertson, though he has come out today to say that he will not be seeking election as the prime minister," he says.
"Potentially that would have come as a surprise to many, given he was probably the obvious choice.
"So, Jacinda Ardern will conclude her term as prime minister no later than the 7th of February, by which time we should have a new prime minister of New Zealand from that Labour Caucus.
"Although at this stage, it's anyone's guess who that could be."
By Shiloh Payne
At a time when our world (not just NZ) needs more politicians like Jacinda – she herself shows us all why she is such a rare treasure. We will miss your personality, your candour and your leadership. Leaving an indelible mark on history – without even trying. – Peter Reed
So sad to see her leave. What an inspiration she has been as a leader of how things could and should be done. With dignity and grace. – Coral Sechtig
Devastated our PM has resigned she has done a awesome job. All the best Jacinda – Jo
By Jessica Riga
One of Jacinda Ardern's most memorable moments in the top job was when she brought her three-month-old baby daughter to the United Nations back in 2018.
Ardern planted a kiss on baby Neve during the inaugural high-level Nelson Mandela Peace summit.
Her partner, Clarke Gayford, sat with the New Zealand delegation and held Neve as Ardern spoke.
Neve's UN debut was *incredibly* cute and made headlines around the world.
Look at her little ID badge!
At the time, Ardern had been only the second elected leader to give birth while in office, after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto in 1990.
She was her country's youngest Prime Minister and the first to take maternity leave while in office.
By Shiloh Payne
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hailed New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as "one of a kind", commending her for her "strength and authenticity" in a her role as leader of the country.
By Shiloh Payne
Mark McGowan says Jacinda Ardern's legacy will be of "hope, leadership and inclusion."
"I’d like to thank Prime Minister Ardern, particularly on behalf of the many New Zealanders who call Western Australia home, for her service on the world stage," Mr McGowan says.
By Shiloh Payne
Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers says Jacinda Ardern "gave a small country a very big voice".
"Jacinda Ardern set a new standard and set a new example for the rest of us, who aspire to lead like she did, with that best combination of strength and authenticity, as well as empathy and compassion and warmth and kindness," Mr Chalmers says.
"Jacinda Ardern is more than a friendto Australia – she's more like asister.
He says she is one of a kind.
"We'll be sad to see her leave the New Zealand prime ministership. Obviously, our friendship will remain in good hands, whoever picks up the leadership after Jacinda Ardern retires."
By Shiloh Payne
According to Jacob Johnson from TVNZ, Ms Ardern will take some time to spend with family before she determines her next career steps.
"One of the main things she's now reflecting on is getting to spend a lot of time with her family," he says.
"Of course, some of the big events we've seen in the last couple of years — she acknowledged she's found very, very taxing. Now she's basically saying she doesn't have any plans moving forward at this stage.
"She hasn't decided exactly what she wants to do. She said she wants to be able to take her daughter Neve to school this year and will be going to school in New Zealand for the first time — and to finally marry her partner, Clarke Gayford.
"They have been engaged for a number of years now, and there have been rumours circulating for some time whether they'll get married. She's announced today she finally will be getting married to him."
By Shiloh Payne
Jacob Johnson from TVNZ spoke on News Channel a little while ago.
He says the announcement hasn't come as a surprise to New Zealanders.
"I don't think it's really any surprise to anyone that Jacinda Ardern is leaving, despite her massive popularity over time," he says.
"In the past year, her status in the polls has been dwindling.
"Around March last year, when our National (party) started to overtake Labour in the polls — of course, you think about things like the cost-of-living crisis post-COVID, those types of concerns starting to bite — and the feelings of the New Zealand public starting to change.
"So I don't think it's really any surprise to the public that she has decided now is the right time to step down."
By Shiloh Payne
Before winning the election and becoming prime minister, Ms Ardern was opposition leader and on her first day in the role was questioned about whether she had to decide between having a career and becoming a parent.
The question drew sharp criticism, with commentators asking whether a male politician would face similar.
Ms Ardern replied that she had "no problem" with being asked the question.
"I've been really open about that dilemma because I think probably lots of women face it," she said at the time.
"For me, my position is no different to the woman who works three jobs, or who might be in a position where they are juggling lots of responsibilities.
"You've just got to take every day as it comes and try and see if you can make the best of the lot you're given.
"So I'm not pre-determining any of that, just like most of the women out here who just make their lives work."
By Shiloh Payne
Federal minister for aged care and sports Annika Wells has also joined in congratulating Jacinda Ardern on her achievements.
By Shiloh Payne
Ms Ardern has thanked her country for allowing her to serve as Prime Minister.
"For my part I want to finish with a simple thank you to New Zealanders for giving me the opportunity to serve and to take on what has and what always will be the greatest role of my life," Ms Ardern says.
"I hope in return I leave behind a 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 your time to go."
By Shiloh Payne
Dr Grant Duncan says the Labour party will need to get a "really good leader" in order to succeed in the upcoming election.
By Shiloh Payne
Michael O'Keefe from the Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy at La Trobe University says Ms Ardern will be missed in Pacific capitals.
“Jacinda Ardern will be greatly missed in the Pacific. She worked tirelessly to repair and strengthen relations with Pacific Island countries and peoples," Dr O'Keefe says.
“Of particular note was her reset of NZ foreign policy to respect the wishes of Pacific leaders and strengthen Pacific regionalism. A symbol of her commitment was her apology for the racist raids on Pacific islanders in the 1970s.
“She also worked closely with Australia to counter China’s rising influence in the region. As such, she will be missed in Pacific capitals and Canberra alike.”
By Shiloh Payne
We're seeing a lot of love for Jacinda Ardern in the comments. Here is what you're saying:
That is too bad. She seemed like a decent and honest person. The best of luck to her in whatever she chooses to do. – Hank
Justifiably admired around the world, Ms Ardern will be a tough act to follow. Great respect for making this tough decision in work/life balance. – Regina Kostyk
She has been such an inspiration to women around the world – I am in awe of Jacinda – all the very best for the future – Carole Monty
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