Full History Of Jacinda Ardern In Timeline From 1961

1961: Abortion in Crimes Act 1961

Ardern supported the removal of abortion from the Crimes Act 1961.

July 1980: Jacinda Ardern born

In July 1980, Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern was born, later becoming the 40th prime minister of New Zealand.

1990: Benazir Bhutto gives birth while in office

In 1990, Benazir Bhutto was the first elected head of government to give birth while in office.

1994: Began studying at Morrinsville College

In 1994, Ardern began studying at Morrinsville College and later became the student representative on the school's board of trustees.

1996: Introduction of a proportional representation system

In 1996, New Zealand introduced a proportional representation system in Parliament.

1997: Jenny Shipley becomes Prime Minister

In 1997, Jenny Shipley became New Zealand's female prime minister.

1999: Assisted with campaigning for Harry Duynhoven

In 1999, Ardern assisted with campaigning for New Plymouth MP Harry Duynhoven during his re-election campaign.

1999: Helen Clark becomes Prime Minister

In 1999, Helen Clark became New Zealand's female prime minister.

2001: Graduated from the University of Waikato

In 2001, Ardern graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Communication Studies in politics and public relations.

2003: Invasion of Iraq

In 2003 the invasion of Iraq took place, an event Jacinda Ardern later questioned Tony Blair about.

2005: Ardern leaves The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In 2005, at age 25, Jacinda Ardern left The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because it conflicted with her personal views, in particular her support for gay rights.

2006: Moved to London and became a senior policy advisor

In 2006, Ardern moved to London, England, where she became a senior policy advisor in the United Kingdom Cabinet Office under prime minister Tony Blair.

January 2008: Elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth

On 30 January 2008, Ardern was elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY).

2008: Entered Parliament as a list MP

In 2008, Ardern returned from London to campaign full-time and entered Parliament as a list MP.

2008: Elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth

In 2008, Ardern was elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth.

2008: Helen Clark leaves office

In 2008, Helen Clark left office as New Zealand's female prime minister.

2008: Elected as MP

In 2008, Jacinda Ardern was elected as a list MP, marking the beginning of her parliamentary career.

2008: Best election result since 2008

In September 2017, Labour gained 14 seats, increasing its parliamentary representation to 46 seats, the best result for the party since losing power in 2008.

February 2010: End of youngest MP status

On 11 February 2010, Ardern ceased to be the youngest MP in Parliament.

2010: End of term as president of the International Union of Socialist Youth

In 2010, Ardern's two-year term as president of the International Union of Socialist Youth ended.

December 2011: Elevated to Shadow Cabinet

On 19 December 2011, Ardern was elevated to the fourth-ranking position in the Shadow Cabinet, becoming a spokesperson for social development.

2011: Contested the seat of Auckland Central

In 2011, Ardern contested the seat of Auckland Central for Labour in the general election but lost to Nikki Kaye.

2011: Questioned Tony Blair

In 2011, Ardern questioned Tony Blair about the 2003 invasion of Iraq at an event in New Zealand.

2012: Ardern and Gayford first met

In 2012, Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford first met through a mutual friend, Colin Mathura-Jeffree, but did not spend time together until Gayford contacted Ardern regarding a bill.

2013: Ardern votes for Marriage Amendment Act

In 2013, Ardern voted in support of the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act, which legalised same-sex marriage in New Zealand.

2014: Graduated from the World Economic Forum's Forum of Young Global Leaders

In 2014, Ardern attended and graduated from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Forum of Young Global Leaders in Switzerland.

2014: Stood again in Auckland Central

In 2014, Ardern stood again in Auckland Central at the general election, finishing second. She was returned to Parliament as Shadow spokesperson for Justice, Children, Small Business, and Arts & Culture.

2014: Suhayra Aden joins ISIS

In 2014, Suhayra Aden traveled to Syria to live in the Islamic State as an ISIS bride.

December 2016: David Shearer's resignation

On 8 December 2016, David Shearer resigned, leading to the Mount Albert by-election.

January 2017: Ardern identifies as agnostic

In January 2017, Jacinda Ardern identified as agnostic, saying "I can't see myself being a member of an organised religion again".

January 2017: Participated in the 2017 Women's March

On 21 January 2017, Ardern participated in the 2017 Women's March. She was confirmed as Labour's candidate at a meeting on 22 January.

February 2017: Elected to represent Mount Albert electorate

In February 2017, Ardern was elected to represent the Mount Albert electorate in a by-election.

February 2017: Won Mount Albert by-election

In February 2017, Ardern won a landslide victory in the Mount Albert by-election, gaining 77 percent of votes cast in the preliminary results.

March 2017: Elected as deputy leader of the Labour Party

In March 2017, Ardern was unanimously elected as deputy leader of the Labour Party after the resignation of Annette King.

August 2017: Assumed leadership of the Labour Party

On 1 August 2017, Ardern assumed the position of leader of the Labour Party following the resignation of Andrew Little.

September 2017: Retained Mount Albert electorate seat

At the general election held on 23 September 2017, Ardern retained her Mount Albert electorate seat by a margin of 15,264 votes and Labour increased its vote share.

September 2017: Ardern Calls for Debate on Removing the Monarch as Head of State

In September 2017, Ardern stated that she wanted New Zealand to debate removing the monarch of New Zealand as head of state.

September 2017: Farmers protested against taxes in Morrinsville

On 18 September 2017, the farming lobby group Federated Farmers staged a protest against the Labour and Green parties' proposed water and pollution taxes in Ardern's hometown of Morrinsville.

October 2017: Agreed to form coalition with Labour

On 19 October 2017, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters agreed to form a coalition with Labour, making Ardern the next prime minister.

October 2017: Sworn in as Prime Minister

On 26 October 2017, Ardern was sworn in as the Prime Minister of New Zealand, becoming the world's youngest female head of government at age 37.

November 2017: First Official Overseas Trip to Australia

In November 2017, Jacinda Ardern made her first official overseas trip to Australia and met with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to improve relations between the two countries.

November 2017: Government Continues Participating in Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

In November 2017, Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker and Jacinda Ardern announced that the government would continue participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations.

2017: Ardern Likens Harris' Campaign to Labour's 2017 Campaign

During her speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in August, Ardern likened Kamala Harris's campaign to Labour's campaign during the 2017 New Zealand general election.

2017: Ardern Advocates for Lower Immigration Rate

In 2017, Ardern advocated for a lower rate of immigration, suggesting a drop of around 20,000–30,000, citing infrastructure issues and a need for better planning for population growth and skill shortages.

2017: Ardern Attends APEC Summit in Vietnam

In 2017, Jacinda Ardern attended the APEC summit in Vietnam.

2017: Became Prime Minister

In 2017, Jacinda Ardern became the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand and leader of the Labour Party.

2017: Ardern Meets with President Trump

In 2017, Jacinda Ardern met briefly with President Trump at the East Asia Summit.

2017: Ardern Voices Support for Two-State Solution

In 2017, Jacinda Ardern voiced support for a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and condemned the Israeli killing of Palestinians during protests at the Gaza border.

2017: Filming of Prime Minister Documentary Begins

In 2017, Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz began filming a documentary on Ardern's time as prime minister, titled Prime Minister, which featured home video filmed by Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford.

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2017: Trump Administration abandoned TPP Agreement

In 2017, the Trump Administration had abandoned the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.

2017: Labour polling similar to first taking over

In 2017, when Jacinda Ardern first took over, the Labour party polling was similar to the last polls of 2022.

January 2018: First Year of Post-Secondary Education Made Free

From 1 January 2018, the first year of post-secondary education was made free.

January 2018: Ardern Announces Pregnancy

In January 2018, Jacinda Ardern announced she was pregnant and that Winston Peters would serve as acting prime minister for six weeks after the birth of her child.

June 2018: Gave birth to daughter

On 21 June 2018, Ardern gave birth to her daughter, making her the world's second elected head of government to give birth while in office.

July 2018: Government's Flagship Families Package Announced

In July 2018, Jacinda Ardern announced the start of her government's Families Package, which included increasing paid parental leave to 26 weeks and introducing a $60 per-week BestStart Payment for low and middle-income families, as well as increasing Family Tax Credit, Orphans Benefit, Accommodation Supplement, and Foster Care Allowance.

August 2018: Ardern Returns from Maternity Leave

In August 2018, Jacinda Ardern returned from maternity leave, which she had taken from 21 June following the birth of her daughter.

August 2018: Curran Removed from Cabinet

On 24 August 2018, Jacinda Ardern removed Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran from Cabinet after Curran failed to disclose a meeting with a broadcaster, deemed a conflict of interest. Curran remained a minister outside Cabinet, but Ardern later accepted Curran's resignation.

2018: Ardern Marches in Pride Parade

In 2018, Ardern became the first New Zealand prime minister to march in a pride parade.

2018: Ardern Attends Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

In 2018, Jacinda Ardern attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London and raised the issue of Xinjiang internment camps and human-rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in China.

2018: Jacinda Ardern attracts international media attention

In 2018, Jacinda Ardern attracted significant international media attention during an overseas trip, particularly after delivering a speech at the United Nations in New York. She was contrasted with contemporary world leaders and cast as an "antidote to Trumpism".

2018: Ardern Meets with President Trump

In 2018, Jacinda Ardern met briefly with President Trump during an exclusive party following the UN General Assembly meeting.

2018: Ardern Attends Waitangi Day Commemoration

In 2018, Jacinda Ardern traveled to Waitangi for the annual Waitangi Day commemoration and stayed for five days. She became the first female prime minister to speak from the top marae, and her visit was largely well-received by Māori leaders.

2018: Ardern Attends Pacific Islands Forum and UN General Assembly

In 2018, Jacinda Ardern travelled to Nauru for the Pacific Islands Forum and attended the United Nations General Assembly meeting with her infant present, becoming the first female head of government to do so. She also praised the United Nations for its multilateralism and called for attention to climate change and the equality of women.

2018: Rumours of investigation into Gayford

In 2018, after growing rumours that Clarke Gayford was under police investigation for criminal offences, both Jacinda Ardern and the Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that Gayford was not, and had not been, under any such investigations.

March 2019: Introduced strict gun laws after Christchurch mosque shootings

In March 2019, following the Christchurch mosque shootings, Ardern reacted by rapidly introducing strict gun laws.

March 2019: Christchurch Mosque Shootings

On 15 March 2019, 51 people were fatally shot and 49 injured in two mosques in Christchurch. Ardern condemned the attacks as acts of terror carried out by extremists.

April 2019: Ardern Pledges No Capital Gains Tax

In April 2019, Jacinda Ardern pledged that her government would not implement a capital gains tax under her leadership.

May 2019: Mural of Ardern Unveiled

In May 2019, a 25-metre mural of Jacinda Ardern hugging a member of the Christchurch Muslim community was unveiled.

May 2019: Ardern and Gayford announce engagement

On 3 May 2019, it was reported that Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford were engaged to be married.

September 2019: Ardern featured in British Vogue

In September 2019, Jacinda Ardern was one of fifteen women selected to appear on the cover of British Vogue, by guest editor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

September 2019: Ardern Meets with President Trump

On 24 September 2019, Jacinda Ardern met with United States President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting to discuss tourism, the Christchurch mosque shooting, and bilateral trade.

December 2019: Ardern praised for leadership

In December 2019, reflecting on the decade, The Spinoff's editor praised Jacinda Ardern for her leadership and empathy following the Christchurch mosque shootings and the Whakaari / White Island eruption. It was stated that Ardern's strength brought New Zealanders together and inspired people worldwide.

2019: Christchurch mosque shootings lead to ban on semi-automatic firearms

Following the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, New Zealand banned semi-automatic firearms.

2019: Criticism over Handling of Sexual Assault Allegation

In 2019, Jacinda Ardern faced criticism for her handling of an allegation of sexual assault against a Labour Party staffer, with media questioning her account of the information she received.

2019: Ardern meets with LDS Church president

In 2019, as prime minister, Jacinda Ardern met the president of the LDS Church, Russell M. Nelson.

2019: New Zealand Passes Law Banning Semiautomatic Weapons

In 2019, in response to the Christchurch shootings, the New Zealand Parliament passed a law banning most semiautomatic weapons and assault rifles less than one month after the attack.

2019: School Lunches Pilot Programme Roll-Out

In 2019, the government began rolling out a school lunches pilot program to assist in reducing child poverty, eventually supporting 200,000 children in low decile schools.

February 2020: Ardern Criticizes Australia's Deportation Policy

In late February 2020, Jacinda Ardern met with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney and criticized Australia's policy of deporting New Zealanders as "corrosive."

March 2020: COVID-19 Border Restrictions and Lockdown Announced

In March 2020, Jacinda Ardern announced strict border restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring anyone entering the country to isolate themselves for 14 days. Later in March, the borders were closed to non-citizens and a nationwide lockdown was announced to begin on 26 March.

March 2020: Ardern Votes for Abortion Legislation Act

In March 2020, Jacinda Ardern voted for the Abortion Legislation Act, which amended the law to decriminalise abortion in New Zealand.

April 2020: Lawsuit Filed Against Ardern and Government Officials

In mid-April 2020, a lawsuit was filed, but ultimately dismissed, against Ardern and government officials claiming that the COVID-19 lockdown infringed on freedoms and was made for "political gain".

May 2020: High Approval Ratings and Estimated Lives Saved

In May 2020, post-lockdown opinion polls showed high support for the Labour Party and Jacinda Ardern reached a record high as preferred prime minister. The number of lives saved by the COVID response led by Ardern was estimated as up to 80,000.

May 2020: Trans-Tasman COVID-Safe Travel Zone Collaboration Agreed

On 5 May 2020, Jacinda Ardern, her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison, and several Australian state and territorial leaders agreed to collaborate on developing a trans-Tasman COVID-safe travel zone.

June 2020: Meeting with Bill and Melinda Gates

On 17 June 2020, Prime Minister Ardern met with Bill Gates and Melinda Gates via teleconference. Melinda Gates requested Ardern to support a collective approach to a COVID-19 vaccine. Ardern agreed to assist.

September 2020: Plans to Make Tertiary Education Tuition Free Abandoned

In September 2020, Jacinda Ardern announced that her government had abandoned plans to make tertiary education tuition free.

October 2020: Led Labour Party to landslide victory

In October 2020, Ardern led the Labour Party to a landslide victory, gaining an overall majority of 65 seats in Parliament.

October 2020: Cannabis Legalisation Referendum

In October 2020, a non-binding referendum to legalise cannabis was held in conjunction with the general election, where voters rejected the proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill by 51.17 per cent.

November 2020: Ardern awarded Harvard University's Gleitsman International Activist Award

On 19 November 2020, Jacinda Ardern was awarded Harvard University's 2020 Gleitsman International Activist Award and contributed the US$150,000 prize money to New Zealanders studying at the university.

December 2020: Support for Australia in dispute with China

In early December 2020, Ardern expressed support for Australia during a dispute between Canberra and Beijing over a Chinese Foreign Ministry official's Twitter post alleging Australian war crimes against Afghans. She deemed the image factually incorrect and stated that New Zealand would raise its concerns with the Chinese Government.

December 2020: Travel bubble announcements and vaccine purchases

On 12 December 2020, Ardern and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown announced a travel bubble between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, set for 2021. On 14 December, Ardern confirmed a travel bubble agreement with Australia for the following year. On 17 December, the government purchased additional vaccines from AstraZeneca and Novavax for New Zealand and its Pacific partners, supplementing existing stocks from Pfizer/BioNTech and Janssen Pharmaceutica.

December 2020: Declaration of climate change emergency and carbon neutral pledge

On 2 December 2020, Jacinda Ardern declared a climate change emergency in New Zealand and pledged that the Government would be carbon neutral by 2025. The public sector would be required to buy only electric or hybrid vehicles, the fleet would be reduced over time by 20 per cent, and all 200 coal-fired boilers in public service buildings would be phased out.

December 2020: Speech at Singapore FinTech Festival

On 9 December 2020, Ardern delivered a virtual speech at the Singapore FinTech Festival, applauding the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) among New Zealand, Chile, and Singapore as "the first important steps" to achieve regulatory alignment to facilitate businesses.

2020: Ardern's government term

From 2020 to 2023, Ardern's government faced scrutiny over its performance and the delivery of promises, influencing perceptions of her leadership.

2020: Ardern Votes in Favour of Legalising Cannabis

In 2020, Ardern voted in favour of legalising cannabis in the New Zealand cannabis referendum, though she did not reveal her position until after the referendum.

2020: Grant Robertson clarified Labour would not introduce new taxes until after the 2020 election.

In 2020, Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson clarified that Labour would not introduce new taxes until after the 2020 election.

2020: Labour Party Victory in General Election

In the 2020 general election, Jacinda Ardern led her party to a landslide victory, winning an overall majority in the House of Representatives and retaining the Mount Albert electorate. Ardern attributed the victory to the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 2021: Continuation of border closures

On 26 January 2021, Ardern announced that New Zealand's borders would remain closed to most non-citizens and non-residents until New Zealand citizens have been "vaccinated and protected".

February 2021: Commencement of COVID-19 vaccination program

In February 2021, New Zealand's COVID-19 vaccination programme began.

February 2021: Criticism of Australia's citizenship revocation

On 16 February 2021, Ardern criticised the Australian Government's decision to revoke dual New Zealand–Australian national Suhayra Aden's Australian citizenship, accusing them of abandoning their obligations. Aden had traveled to Syria to join ISIS in 2014. Ardern offered consular support to Aden and her children.

May 2021: Meeting with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison

In late May 2021, Ardern hosted Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a state visit at Queenstown. The two heads of governments issued a joint statement affirming bilateral cooperation on COVID-19, bilateral relations, and security issues in the Indo-Pacific. Concerns were raised about the South China Sea dispute and human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

May 2021: Ardern tops Fortune's list of world's greatest leaders

In mid-May 2021, Fortune magazine gave Jacinda Ardern the top spot on their list of world's 50 greatest leaders, citing her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as her handling of the Christchurch mosque shootings and the Whakaari / White Island eruption.

May 2021: Ardern on New Zealand Becoming a Republic

On 24 May 2021, during the announcement of Dame Cindy Kiro as governor-general, Ardern said she believed that New Zealand would become a republic within her lifetime.

June 2021: Formal apology for the Dawn Raids

On 14 June 2021, Ardern confirmed that the New Zealand Government would formally apologise for the Dawn Raids, a series of police raids which disproportionately targeted members of the Pasifika diaspora in New Zealand during the 1970s and early 1980s, at the Auckland Town Hall on 26 June 2021.

August 2021: Nationwide lockdown due to Delta variant

In August 2021, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 Delta variant, Jacinda Ardern prompted the government to enact another nationwide lockdown.

October 2021: End of zero-Covid approach

In early October 2021, after one and a half years, New Zealand ended its "Covid zero" strategy, becoming the last country in the world to do so, apart from China.

December 2021: Participation in Summit for Democracy

In early December 2021, Ardern participated in the virtual Summit for Democracy hosted by US President Joe Biden. She discussed bolstering democratic resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and announced additional financial contributions to support anti-corruption efforts in Pacific countries and media defense funds.

2021: Primary Teachers' Pay Increase Agreed

By 2021, the government agreed to increase primary teachers' pay by 12.8% for beginning teachers and 18.5% for senior teachers without other responsibilities, following industrial action.

2021: Ardern ranked among most powerful women

In 2021, Forbes magazine ranked Jacinda Ardern 34th among the 100 most powerful women in the world.

2021: Establishment of travel bubble with Cook Islands and Australia

In 2021, Jacinda Ardern announced that travel bubbles would be established between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, and New Zealand and Australia, allowing two-way quarantine-free travel between the two countries.

2021: Species named in honour of Ardern

In 2021, New Zealand zoologist Steven A. Trewick named the flightless wētā species Hemiandrus jacinda in honour of Ardern. Other species named after her include a beetle (Mecodema jacinda), a lichen (Ocellularia jacinda-arderniae), and an ant (Crematogaster jacindae).

2021: Delta variant spreads; nationwide lockdown and accelerated vaccination

In 2021, the Delta variant of COVID-19 spread in New Zealand, leading to a nationwide lockdown in August. Cases continued to rise, prompting the government to abandon containment and accelerate vaccination efforts. Ardern expressed concerns that New Zealand's sense of togetherness was starting to fracture as anti-vaccine protests increased.

2021: Ardern's Stance on Democratic Socialism

In 2021, when asked to comment on the 2021 Budget, Ardern stated, "I have always described myself as a Democratic Socialist", but she does not consider the term to be useful in New Zealand, as it is not commonly used in the political sphere.

2021: Abuse and Threats towards Ardern

In 2021-2022, Ardern faced abuse from anti-vaxxers, anti-government protestors, and right-wing populist protestors. Conspiracy theorist Richard Sivell was convicted of threatening to kill Ardern.

2021: High domestic popularity

In early 2021, Jacinda Ardern had a high domestic popularity, with 70% of people polled thinking the country was going in the right direction.

2021: Response to Israel-Palestine crisis

In response to the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, Ardern stated on 17 May 2021 that New Zealand "condemned both the indiscriminate rocket fire we have seen from Hamas and what looks to be a response that has gone well beyond self-defence on both sides." She also stated that Israel had the "right to exist" but Palestinians also had a "right to a peaceful home, a secure home."

January 2022: Ardern and Gayford wedding postponed

In January 2022, Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford's wedding was postponed due to COVID-19 Deltacron hybrid variant.

January 2022: Self-isolation after COVID-19 exposure

On 29 January 2022, Ardern, Governor-General Cindy Kiro, and chief press secretary Andrew Campbell self-isolated after being in close contact with a COVID-19 case on an Air New Zealand flight on 22 January.

April 2022: Banned from entering Russia

In April 2022, Ardern was banned from entering Russia along with 129 other parliamentarians and senior government officials after the New Zealand Parliament unanimously imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

April 2022: New Zealand High Court ruled MIQ violated human rights

In April 2022, the New Zealand High Court ruled that aspects of MIQ violated international human rights, finding the policies arbitrarily restricted citizens' right to return home under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

May 2022: Controversial remark on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

During a May 2022 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Ardern stated that during the two and a half years New Zealand had closed its borders, "New Zealanders could come and go and use quarantine," a remark widely criticized as tone-deaf and dismissive of the hardships many thousands endured.

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May 2022: Trade mission to the United States and Harvard commencement address

In late May 2022, Ardern led a trade and tourism mission to the United States. She urged the Biden Administration to join the CPTPP. She condemned the Robb Elementary School shooting while attending the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and advocated stronger gun control measures. On 27 May, Ardern gave the annual commencement address at Harvard University and was awarded an honorary doctorate in law. On 28 May, Ardern signed a memorandum of understanding with Governor of California Gavin Newsom, formalizing bilateral cooperation between New Zealand and California in climate change mitigation and research.

May 2022: Ardern tests positive for COVID-19

On 14 May 2022, Jacinda Ardern tested positive for COVID-19. Her partner, Clarke Gayford, had tested positive several days earlier on 8 May.

May 2022: Ardern awarded honorary degree by Harvard University

On 26 May 2022, Jacinda Ardern was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Harvard University for contributions that "shape the world".

June 2022: Ardern visits Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

In June 2022, Jacinda Ardern met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to discuss issues such as Australia's Section 501 deportation policy, Chinese influence in the Pacific, and climate change. Albanese responded to Ardern's concerns by stating he would explore addressing New Zealand's concerns about the deportation policies' impact on New Zealanders.

June 2022: Samoan Prime Minister Visits New Zealand

In June 2022, Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa visited New Zealand prior to Ardern's visit to Samoa in August. This visit was related to bilateral relations between Samoa and New Zealand.

June 2022: Ardern Attends NATO Summit

In late June 2022, Ardern attended the NATO Leader Summit. She emphasized New Zealand's commitment to peace and human rights, criticised China for challenging international norms in the South Pacific, and alleged that Russia was conducting a disinformation campaign targeting New Zealand due to its support for Ukraine.

June 2022: Meeting with US President Joe Biden and Vice-president Kamala Harris

On 1 June 2022, Ardern met with US President Joe Biden and Vice-president Kamala Harris to reaffirm bilateral relations between the two countries. A joint statement was issued, reaffirming cooperation on issues including the South China Sea dispute, support for Ukraine, Chinese tensions with Taiwan, and human-rights violations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

June 2022: Ardern speaks with Ukrainian President Zelensky

On 30 June 2022, Jacinda Ardern spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by telephone. Ardern reassured Zelensky that New Zealand would continue imposing sanctions on Russia, and Zelensky thanked New Zealand for providing aid and requested assistance in rebuilding Ukraine.

August 2022: Ardern visits Samoa for Independence Anniversary

In early August 2022, Ardern led a delegation to Samoa for the 60th anniversary of Samoa's independence. On 2 August, Ardern met with Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa to discuss climate change, economic resilience, COVID-19, health, and Samoan seasonal workers in New Zealand. New Zealand also committed NZ$15 million to support Samoa's climate change mitigation efforts and NZ$12m to rebuild Apia's Savalalo Market.

September 2022: Nation's tributes following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

In September 2022, Ardern led the nation's tributes following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, describing her as an "incredible woman", a "constant in our lives", and a "much admired and respected" monarch. Ardern also stated that republicanism was currently not on the agenda but believed that the country would head in that direction in the future.

September 2022: Ardern Attends Queen Elizabeth II's Funeral

In September 2022, Jacinda Ardern, along with her fiancé Clarke Gayford and their daughter Neve, attended Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. During the funeral, she wore a traditional Māori cloak designed by Māori fashion designer Kiri Nathan.

October 2022: Ardern Visits Scott Base in Antarctica

In late October 2022, Ardern and Gayford visited New Zealand's Antarctica base, Scott Base, to mark its 65th anniversary. The government had committed NZ$344 million to redevelop the base. After Ardern's C-130 Hercules aircraft broke down, she and her entourage returned to Christchurch on an Italian C-130 Hercules aircraft.

November 2022: Ardern Supports Lowering the Voting Age to 16

Following the Supreme Court's ruling in November 2022, Ardern supported lowering the voting age to 16 years and said that the Government would introduce legislation to this effect.

November 2022: Ardern Indicates She Would Seek a Third Term

In November 2022, Ardern had indicated that she would seek a third term as prime minister before announcing her resignation in January 2023.

November 2022: Ardern Attends East Asia Summit in Cambodia

In mid-November 2022, Ardern attended the East Asia Summit in Cambodia where she condemned the Myanmar military regime's execution of political prisoners and called for consensus in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She also met with US President Biden to discuss A2 Milk's efforts to supply infant formula to the United States to address the infant formula milk shortage.

December 2022: Hot mic comment and reconciliation with David Seymour

In mid-December 2022, Ardern was recorded on a hot mic calling the leader of the ACT Party, David Seymour, an "arrogant prick" during Parliament's Question Time, which was televised. Ardern later apologized to Seymour via text. The two politicians reconciled and auctioned a signed copy of the remark to raise NZ$60,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

2022: Rising Housing Costs Criticized

As of 2022, critics say rising housing costs continue to negatively affect families, necessitating systemic changes to ensure lasting improvements.

2022: Decline in domestic popularity and approval rating

In 2022, Jacinda Ardern and her policies experienced a significant drop in domestic popularity. Polling on whether the country was heading in the right direction decreased from 70% in early 2021 to 30% by the end of 2022. Labour party polling was similar to when she took office in 2017, and her approval rating fell to 29%.

January 2023: Ardern's Domestic Popularity Reaches All-Time Lows

By 19 January 2023, Ardern's domestic popularity had reached all-time lows in several opinion polls. However, she stated that this would not affect the Labour Party's chances of winning the next election.

January 2023: Announced resignation as Labour leader and Prime Minister

In January 2023, Ardern announced her resignation as Labour leader and submitted her resignation as prime minister.

January 2023: Ardern's Final Event and Succession

In January 2023, Ardern's final event as prime minister was a birthday celebration for Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana. She called her work as prime minister the "greatest privilege." On 25 January 2023, Chris Hipkins succeeded her as prime minister and leader of the New Zealand Labour Party.

January 2023: Ardern Announces Resignation

On 19 January 2023, Jacinda Ardern announced she would resign as Labour leader and prime minister by 7 February and leave Parliament by the 2023 general election. She cited a desire to spend more time with her family and an inability to commit to another four years.

April 2023: Ardern Appointed Trustee of the Earthshot Prize

On 4 April 2023, Ardern was announced as a trustee of the Earthshot Prize. Prince William selected her for her commitment to sustainable and environmental solutions, stating she was one of the first to encourage him to establish the prize.

2023: Ardern's popularity declines

By early 2023, Jacinda Ardern's popularity in New Zealand had declined significantly, with polls showing her approval rating at 29%. This decline reflected public frustration over unfulfilled promises on issues like housing, child poverty, and social inequality.

2023: Resignation and Academic Appointments

Following her resignation in 2023 and subsequent academic appointments in the United States, some New Zealanders expressed concern over what they viewed as a withdrawal from domestic political accountability.

2023: Ardern accepts Fellowships at Harvard Kennedy School

In 2023, Ardern accepted dual fellowships at the Harvard Kennedy School for a semester beginning in fall 2023, to serve as the 2023 Angelopoulos Global Public Leaders Fellow and as a Hauser Leader at the Center for Public Leadership. She will also work with Harvard's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society as its first Knight Tech Governance Leadership Fellow, focusing on the study of online extremism.

2023: Reactions to Ardern's Resignation

In 2023, Ardern's resignation prompted mixed reactions from across the New Zealand political establishment, with expressions of gratitude and disagreement from various party leaders, and criticisms over unfulfilled promises during the 2020-2023 parliamentary term.

2023: Resigned as Prime Minister

In 2023, Jacinda Ardern resigned as the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

2023: Ardern appointed Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit

In the 2023 King's Birthday and Coronation Honours, Jacinda Ardern was appointed a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (GNZM), for services to the State.

2023: Resided in the United States

Since late 2023, Ardern has resided in the United States.

January 2024: Ardern and Gayford marry

On 13 January 2024 Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford married, at Craggy Range Winery near Havelock North in Hawke's Bay.

June 2024: Ardern Leads Field Fellowship Programme

In mid-June 2024, the Center for American Progress Active Fund announced that Ardern would be leading the Field Fellowship programme for training new "emerging leaders".

August 2024: Ardern Endorses Kamala Harris's 2024 Presidential Campaign

On 21 August 2024, Ardern endorsed US Vice President Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign and spoke at the Global Progress Action Luncheon during the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

October 2024: Ardern Investiture at Windsor Castle

On 16 October 2024, Jacinda Ardern was invested as a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (GNZM) by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.

November 2024: Ardern to receive Champion for Global Change Award

In mid November 2024, it was reported that the United Nations Foundation would award Jacinda Ardern the Champion for Global Change Award in recognition of her "trailblazing and empathetic" leadership.

2024: Production of Prime Minister Documentary

Between 2017 and 2024, Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz produced a documentary on Ardern's time as prime minister, titled Prime Minister, which featured home video filmed by Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford.

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January 2025: Announcement of Ardern's Memoir

On 21 January 2025, Crown Publishing Group announced that Ardern's memoir, titled A Different Kind of Power, would be released on 3 June. Ardern chose not to tour in or near New Zealand to promote her memoir due to negative public sentiment. Instead, Ardern plans a nine-night promotional tour across the United Kingdom and the United States for her book which will detail her political career and leadership philosophy.

A Different Kind of Power: A Memoir

Check it on Amazon

June 2025: Ardern to Receive Honorary Degree from Oxford University

In June 2025, Oxford University announced that Jacinda Ardern would be awarded an honorary degree of Civil Law during the annual Encaenia ceremony on 25 June.

2025: Government carbon neutral target

By 2025, Jacinda Ardern pledged that the government would be carbon neutral.

2025: 130 Governments and Tech Firms Sign Up to the Christchurch Call to Action

In 2025, 130 governments and tech firms were signed up to the "Christchurch Call to Action".

2025: Continued belief in lives saved by Covid-19 actions

In 2025, Ardern continued to believe that her actions during the COVID-19 pandemic had saved approximately 24,000 lives, though she acknowledged the period as "really hard".

2025: Premiere of Prime Minister Documentary

In 2025, the documentary titled "Prime Minister", which was produced between 2017 and 2024 by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz and featuring home video filmed by Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

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2025: Ardern clarifies resignation reasons in interview

In a 2025 interview, Ardern clarified that her resignation was not due to "burnout" but rather a judgment about her ability to operate at the necessary level.