Jacinda Ardern Reflects on Time as Prime Minister and Challenges Faced During Tenure in Farewell Speech to Parliament

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave her farewell speech to Parliament on Wednesday, reflecting on her time in office and the challenges she faced during her tenure.

Ardern, who stepped down in January after serving as Prime Minister for three years, said she hoped her legacy would be showing the world “you can be a nerd, a crier, a hugger” and still be a leader. She spoke of her toughest challenges, including the mass shooting in Christchurch, the volcanic eruption in White Island, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ardern thanked her family, her political party, and her supporters for their support during her time as Prime Minister. She also said she hoped to have demonstrated that “you can be anxious, sensitive, kind and wear your heart on your sleeve” and still be a successful leader.

Ardern rose to global prominence in 2017 when she became the world’s youngest female head of government at age 37. During her time in office, she faced higher prices, rising crime, and controversial reforms to water and agriculture, which eventually chipped away at her support.

In her farewell speech, Ardern said she hoped all New Zealanders would feel that politics could be a home for them. She said she hoped her legacy would be showing the world that “you can be a nerd, a crier, a hugger” and still be a successful leader.