Jacinda Ardern left Parliament with a message on leadership, revealing her personal anxiety and the impact stress of leading Labour and the Government had on her.
During her final speech in Parliament, the former prime minister urged politicians to “take the politics out of climate change”.
She canvassed the greatest challenges she faced as New Zealand’s 40th prime minister, including responding to the Whaakari-White Island eruption, the March 15 terror attack, working with the families of Pike River, and governing during the pandemic.
Pike River families, members of the Muslim community, former prime ministers, and Ardern’s family and former staff gathered in the public gallery to see her final speech.
Ardern’s daughter, Neve, waved from the public gallery at her and former deputy prime minister Grant Robertson.
She resigned as prime minister in January, after five years leading Labour and the Government. She will volunteer as a special envoy for the Christchurch Call, reporting to Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on the progress being made to counter violent extremism on social media.
On Tuesday, he announced her appointment as a special envoy – and said she had declined to be paid to do the role.
New Zealand was “in good hands” with Chris Hipkins as prime minister, Ardern said during her speech.
Credit: stuff.co.nz
