History of Jacinda Ardern in Timeline
Jacinda Ardern, the 40th prime minister of New Zealand, served from 2017 to 2023. Representing the Labour Party, she was a prominent figure in New Zealand politics. Before becoming prime minister, she was a member of Parliament, first as a list MP and later representing Mount Albert.
1961: Ardern Supports Removal of Abortion from Crimes Act
Jacinda Ardern has been a vocal advocate for the removal of abortion from the Crimes Act of 1961. Her support for this change reflects a commitment to modernizing New Zealand's legal framework surrounding reproductive rights.
July 1980: Birth of Jacinda Ardern
Jacinda Ardern was born in Hamilton, New Zealand, in July 1980.
1990: Benazir Bhutto Becomes First Elected Head of Government to Give Birth in Office
Benazir Bhutto made history in 1990 by becoming the first elected head of government to give birth while in office.
1996: Introduction of Proportional Representation System
The year 1996 marked the introduction of a proportional representation system in New Zealand, significantly impacting the country's political landscape.
1997: Term of Jenny Shipley as Prime Minister
Jenny Shipley served as New Zealand's Prime Minister from 1997 to 1999.
1999: Joined the Labour Party
At the age of 17, Jacinda Ardern joined the Labour Party, marking the beginning of her political journey.
1999: Helen Clark Becomes Prime Minister
Helen Clark became Prime Minister of New Zealand in 1999 and served until 2008.
2001: Worked as a Researcher
After graduating, Jacinda Ardern worked as a researcher in the offices of Phil Goff and Helen Clark in 2001.
2001: Graduation from the University of Waikato
Jacinda Ardern graduated from the University of Waikato in 2001 with a degree in communication studies.
2003: 2003 Invasion of Iraq
The 2003 invasion of Iraq, a significant geopolitical event, was later a topic of discussion between Jacinda Ardern and Tony Blair.
2005: Leaves The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Jacinda Ardern left The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2005 at the age of 25, citing conflicts with her personal views, particularly her support for gay rights.
2006: Senior Policy Advisor in London
In 2006, Jacinda Ardern moved to London and became a senior policy advisor in the UK Cabinet Office under Prime Minister Tony Blair.
January 2008: Elected President of the International Union of Socialist Youth
At the age of 27, Jacinda Ardern was elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) in January 2008.
2008: Became the Youngest Sitting MP
Following the 2008 election, Jacinda Ardern became the youngest sitting MP in Parliament, a testament to her early political success.
2008: Helen Clark's Term as Prime Minister Ends
Helen Clark's time as Prime Minister of New Zealand concluded in 2008.
2008: Elected as a Member of Parliament
Jacinda Ardern began her political career as a Labour member of Parliament in 2008.
2008: Labour Party's Best Result Since Losing Power
The Labour Party's performance in the 2017 general election marked their most successful result since their loss of power in 2008.
February 2010: Gareth Hughes Elected as Youngest MP
Gareth Hughes' election in February 2010 ended Jacinda Ardern's brief stint as the youngest MP in Parliament.
2010: End of Term as IUSY President
Jacinda Ardern served as the president of IUSY for a two-year term, which concluded in 2010.
December 2011: Elevated to Shadow Cabinet
In December 2011, Jacinda Ardern was elevated to the fourth-ranking position in the Shadow Cabinet, becoming a spokesperson for social development.
2011: Contested Auckland Central Seat
In the 2011 general election, Jacinda Ardern contested the seat of Auckland Central but lost to Nikki Kaye.
2011: Questioned Tony Blair about the Iraq War
Years later, at an event in New Zealand in 2011, Jacinda Ardern questioned Tony Blair about the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
2012: First Meeting with Clarke Gayford
Jacinda Ardern and her future husband, Clarke Gayford, first met in 2012 through a mutual friend, Colin Mathura-Jeffree.
2013: Ardern Supports Same-Sex Marriage in New Zealand
Jacinda Ardern has consistently expressed her support for same-sex marriage, a stance demonstrated through her vote in favor of the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act in 2013. This legislation played a crucial role in legalizing same-sex marriage in New Zealand.
2014: Selected for and Graduated from World Economic Forum's Forum of Young Global Leaders
In 2014, Jacinda Ardern was chosen to participate in the prestigious World Economic Forum's Forum of Young Global Leaders, a program founded by Klaus Schwab, held in Switzerland. She successfully graduated from the program.
2014: Contested Auckland Central Again
Jacinda Ardern again contested the Auckland Central seat in the 2014 general election, improving her performance but ultimately losing to Nikki Kaye.
2014: Shane Ardern Leaves Parliament
Jacinda Ardern's distant cousin, Shane Ardern, left his position as National MP for Taranaki-King Country in 2014, three years before Jacinda Ardern became prime minister.
December 2016: Ardern Seeks Labour Nomination for Mount Albert By-election
On December 8, 2016, following David Shearer's resignation, Ardern put her name forward as the Labour Party's nominee for the Mount Albert by-election.
January 2017: Ardern Becomes Labour Candidate for Mount Albert By-election and Participates in Women's March
By January 12, 2017, Ardern was the sole nominee for the Labour Party candidacy in the Mount Albert by-election and was selected unopposed. On January 21, 2017, Ardern participated in the Women's March, a global protest against newly inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump. Her candidacy was confirmed at a meeting on January 22, 2017.
January 2017: Publicly Identifies as Agnostic
In January 2017, Jacinda Ardern publicly identified as agnostic, stating that she couldn't see herself being a member of an organized religion again.
February 2017: Ardern Wins Mount Albert By-election with Landslide Victory
In February 2017, Ardern won the Mount Albert by-election by a significant margin, securing 77% of the preliminary votes cast.
February 2017: Elected to Represent Mount Albert
In February 2017, Jacinda Ardern was elected to represent the Mount Albert electorate in a by-election.
March 2017: Ardern Elected Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
Following Annette King's resignation and intention to retire, Ardern was elected unopposed as the deputy leader of the Labour Party on March 7, 2017. Raymond Huo filled Ardern's vacant list seat.
August 2017: Ardern Becomes Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition
Following the resignation of Andrew Little due to record low polling for the Labour Party, Ardern assumed the role of Labour Party leader on August 1, 2017, just seven weeks before the general election. This made her the Leader of the Opposition. At 37 years old, she was the youngest leader in the party's history and the second female leader after Helen Clark.
September 2017: Ardern Initiates Debate on New Zealand's Head of State
In September 2017, Jacinda Ardern sparked a nationwide conversation by suggesting that New Zealand should consider removing the monarch of New Zealand as its head of state.
September 2017: Ardern Retains Mount Albert Seat and Labour Party Sees Resurgence in 2017 General Election
In the general election held on September 23, 2017, Ardern successfully retained her Mount Albert electorate seat, winning by a considerable margin. The Labour Party experienced a resurgence in the election, increasing its vote share to 36.89% and securing 46 seats in Parliament - their most favorable outcome since their loss of power in 2008.
September 2017: Farmers Protest Labour and Green Parties' Proposed Taxes
On September 18, 2017, the farming advocacy group Federated Farmers organized a protest in Ardern's hometown of Morrinsville to express their opposition to the proposed water and pollution taxes put forth by the Labour and Green parties. During the protest, a farmer's sign labeling Ardern a "pretty communist" drew criticism for its misogynistic tone.
October 2017: Sworn in as Prime Minister
On 26 October 2017, Jacinda Ardern was sworn in as Prime Minister, becoming the world's youngest female head of government at age 37.
October 2017: Ardern Becomes New Zealand's Prime Minister
Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First, agreed to form a coalition government with the Labour Party on October 19, 2017, paving the way for Ardern to become Prime Minister. This coalition secured confidence and supply from the Green Party. Ardern announced Peters as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and allocated five positions in her government to New Zealand First, including Peters and three other ministers in the Cabinet. The following day, Ardern confirmed she would hold the portfolios of National Security and Intelligence; Arts, Culture and Heritage; and Vulnerable Children. On October 26, 2017, she was officially sworn in as Prime Minister, becoming New Zealand's third female Prime Minister.
November 2017: First Official Trip to Australia as Prime Minister
Ardern undertook her first official trip as Prime Minister to Australia in November 2017, aiming to repair strained relations with the country. The meeting with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was described as cordial, suggesting a step towards improved relations.
2017: Attendance at International Summits
Ardern's early tenure as Prime Minister included participation in key international events in 2017, such as the APEC summit in Vietnam and a United Nations summit in New York City.
2017: Became Prime Minister of New Zealand
In 2017, Jacinda Ardern became the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand and leader of the Labour Party.
2017: Trump Administration Withdraws from Trans-Pacific Partnership
In 2017, the Trump Administration pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), a move that significantly impacted international trade relations. This decision paved the way for the creation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as a successor agreement.
2017: Initial Popularity Benchmark
When Jacinda Ardern assumed leadership in 2017, the Labour Party experienced a surge in popularity, with polling numbers around 33% setting a benchmark for future comparisons.
January 2018: First Year of Post-Secondary Education Made Free in New Zealand
Ardern's government implemented a policy making the first year of post-secondary education free, starting January 1, 2018.
January 2018: Ardern Announces Pregnancy
Ardern, at age 37, became New Zealand's youngest head of government since Edward Stafford in 1856, who also assumed the role at 37. On January 19, 2018, Ardern announced her pregnancy, stating that Winston Peters would serve as acting prime minister for six weeks following the birth.
June 2018: Birth of Daughter
In June 2018, Jacinda Ardern gave birth to her daughter, becoming the world's second elected head of government to give birth while in office.
June 2018: Birth of Daughter, Neve Te Aroha
Jacinda Ardern gave birth to her daughter, Neve Te Aroha, on June 21, 2018, becoming the second elected head of government to give birth while in office.
July 2018: Ardern's Government Launches Families Package
In July 2018, Ardern's government launched the Families Package, a key policy initiative. This package included provisions to progressively increase paid parental leave to 26 weeks and introduce a weekly universal BestStart Payment of $60 for low- and middle-income families with young children. The package also included increases to the Family Tax Credit, Orphans Benefit, Accommodation Supplement, and Foster Care Allowance.
August 2018: Ardern Returns from Maternity Leave
After the birth of her daughter, Ardern took maternity leave from June 21 to August 2, 2018.
August 2018: Cabinet Reshuffle and Controversy
Ardern removed Clare Curran from her position as Broadcasting Minister in August 2018 due to Curran's failure to disclose a meeting that presented a conflict of interest. While Curran remained a minister outside of the Cabinet, Ardern faced criticism for not removing her entirely from her portfolio. This event and Ardern's later handling of sexual assault allegations against a Labour Party staffer in 2019 sparked controversy and raised questions about her leadership decisions.
2018: Waitangi Day Commemoration
In 2018, Ardern participated in the annual Waitangi Day commemoration, staying for a notable five days. She made history as the first female prime minister to deliver a speech from the top marae, receiving a largely positive reception from Māori leaders. This marked a significant contrast to the responses of some of her predecessors.
2018: Ardern Makes History as First New Zealand Prime Minister to March in Pride Parade
In 2018, Jacinda Ardern became the first New Zealand Prime Minister to participate in a pride parade, signifying her strong allyship with the LGBTQ+ community.
2018: Public Statement Denying Rumors About Clarke Gayford
In 2018, in response to rumors about Clarke Gayford being under police investigation, both Jacinda Ardern and Police Commissioner Mike Bush publicly confirmed that Gayford was not, and had not been, under any such investigations.
2018: Ardern's Global Impact and "Jacindamania"
The term "Jacindamania" emerged as Jacinda Ardern's popularity grew both domestically and internationally. This phenomenon was attributed to New Zealand's increased global attention and media influence, reflected in indices like the Soft Power 30. Ardern's 2018 overseas trip, particularly her speech at the United Nations in New York, garnered significant international media coverage. She was often portrayed as a contrasting figure to other world leaders, particularly those espousing populist or nationalist sentiments, earning her the label of an "antidote to Trumpism."
March 2019: Response to the Christchurch Mosque Shootings
Jacinda Ardern received international recognition for her swift and decisive response to the Christchurch mosque shootings in March 2019, which included introducing stricter gun laws.
March 2019: Christchurch Mosque Shootings
On March 15, 2019, New Zealand experienced a devastating terrorist attack when two mosques in Christchurch were targeted in a mass shooting, resulting in 51 fatalities and 49 injuries. Ardern addressed the nation, offering condolences, condemning the act, and labeling it as terrorism.
April 2019: Ardern Rules Out Capital Gains Tax During Her Leadership
Despite being a campaign promise of the Labour Party in previous elections, Ardern committed in April 2019 that her government would not introduce a capital gains tax while she was in office. However, the period for which capital gains on rental properties are taxed was extended from five to ten years from the date of purchase.
May 2019: Response to Christchurch Shootings and Global Recognition
Ardern's compassionate and decisive response to the Christchurch shootings in May 2019 garnered international acclaim. Her refusal to utter the attacker's name, her focus on the victims, and her swift action to reform gun laws demonstrated strong leadership. Her image, embracing a member of the Muslim community, became a symbol of unity and peace.
May 2019: Engagement to Clarke Gayford
On May 3, 2019, it was publicly announced that Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford were engaged to be married.
September 2019: Featured in British Vogue and Shortlisted for Time Person of the Year
In September 2019, Jacinda Ardern was one of fifteen women featured on the cover of British Vogue, guest-edited by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The same year, she was included in the Time 100 list and shortlisted for Time's Person of the Year.
December 2019: Ardern's Leadership in Times of Crisis
By December 2019, while the initial fervor of "Jacindamania" had subsided, Jacinda Ardern's leadership, particularly during crises like the Christchurch mosque shootings and the Whakaari / White Island eruption, received significant praise. Commentators lauded her empathy, resilience, and ability to unite New Zealanders and inspire global solidarity during those challenging events.
2019: Gun Law Reform and Christchurch Call Summit
Following the Christchurch mosque shootings, Ardern spearheaded efforts to reform New Zealand's gun laws. In 2019, she collaborated with French President Emmanuel Macron to co-chair the Christchurch Call summit, an initiative aimed at combating online extremism and terrorism.
2019: Controversy over Handling of Sexual Assault Allegation
In 2019, Ardern faced criticism for her handling of a sexual assault allegation against a Labour Party staffer, particularly her statement that she was initially told the allegation didn't involve sexual assault or violence. This statement was challenged by media outlets, sparking controversy and questions about her transparency.
2019: Government Implements School Lunches Pilot Program and Expands Efforts to Reduce Poverty
In 2019, Ardern's government initiated a pilot program for school lunches aimed at alleviating child poverty. This program was later broadened to cover 200,000 students (around 25% of school enrollments) in lower-decile schools. Further government initiatives to combat poverty encompassed raising primary welfare benefits, expanding access to free doctor's visits, offering free menstrual hygiene products in schools, and increasing state housing availability.
2019: Christchurch Mosque Shootings Prompt Gun Law Reform in New Zealand
In 2019, the tragic Christchurch mosque shootings prompted New Zealand to implement stricter gun control measures, including a ban on semi-automatic firearms, demonstrating a commitment to public safety.
2019: Meets with the President of the LDS Church
In 2019, while serving as prime minister, Jacinda Ardern met with Russell M. Nelson, the president of the LDS Church.
March 2020: Ardern Supports Decriminalization of Abortion in New Zealand
In March 2020, Jacinda Ardern voted in favor of the Abortion Legislation Act, which aimed to decriminalize abortion in New Zealand. This act marked a significant step towards removing abortion from the Crimes Act of 1961 and providing women with greater autonomy over their reproductive health.
March 2020: Implementation of Strict Border Controls Due to COVID-19
In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a global threat, Ardern implemented strict border controls. These measures included a mandatory 14-day isolation period for all arrivals, followed by a complete closure of borders to non-citizens and non-residents. This marked the beginning of New Zealand's strategy to contain the virus.
April 2020: Legal Challenge to Lockdown Measures
Ardern's government faced a legal challenge in April 2020 when two individuals contested the lockdown measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They argued that these measures infringed on their freedoms, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by the Auckland High Court.
May 2020: Collaboration on Trans-Tasman Travel Zone
In May 2020, as part of efforts to ease coronavirus restrictions, Ardern and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, along with Australian state and territory leaders, announced their intent to create a trans-Tasman COVID-safe travel zone. This collaboration sought to enable travel between the two countries without the need for quarantine.
May 2020: Record High Approval Ratings
In May 2020, opinion polls following the COVID-19 lockdown period showed the Labour Party, led by Jacinda Ardern, with almost 60% support. Ardern's personal approval rating as "preferred prime minister" reached 59.5% in a Newshub-Reid Research poll, the highest ever recorded in the poll's history.
June 2020: Teleconference with Bill and Melinda Gates
In June 2020, Jacinda Ardern participated in a teleconference with Bill and Melinda Gates, a meeting initiated by Bill Gates. During the discussion, Melinda Gates urged Ardern to advocate for a collaborative approach to developing a COVID-19 vaccine. Ardern expressed willingness to support this initiative. This meeting followed the New Zealand Government's pledge of $37 million towards COVID-19 vaccine research in May, which included contributions to organizations founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
September 2020: Abandonment of Free Tertiary Education
Ardern's government reversed its stance on free tertiary education in September 2020, announcing the abandonment of plans to implement it.
October 2020: Cannabis Legalization Referendum
A referendum on legalizing cannabis took place in October 2020 alongside the general election. Despite Ardern's personal opposition to criminalizing cannabis users and her pledge to hold a referendum on the issue, the proposed bill was narrowly defeated.
October 2020: Labour Party's Landslide Victory
Jacinda Ardern led the Labour Party to a landslide victory in the October 2020 general election, securing the first majority government since 1996.
November 2020: Awarded Harvard University's Gleitsman International Activist Award
In November 2020, Jacinda Ardern was awarded Harvard University's Gleitsman International Activist Award for her leadership. She donated the $150,000 prize to New Zealanders studying at Harvard.
December 2020: Support for Australia in Diplomatic Dispute
Amidst a diplomatic row between Australia and China sparked by a controversial tweet from a Chinese Foreign Ministry official, Jacinda Ardern expressed support for Australia. Ardern refuted the allegations made in the tweet, deeming them inaccurate, and indicated that the New Zealand Government would address its concerns with the Chinese Government.
December 2020: Travel Bubble Announcements and Vaccine Procurement
December 2020 marked a series of significant announcements related to travel and vaccine procurement. Jacinda Ardern announced the establishment of a travel bubble with the Cook Islands in 2021, followed by the confirmation of a similar agreement with Australia. Furthermore, Ardern revealed the purchase of additional vaccines from AstraZeneca and Novavax for New Zealand and its Pacific neighbors, supplementing the existing supplies from Pfizer/BioNTech and Janssen Pharmaceutica.
December 2020: Speech at Singapore FinTech Festival
Jacinda Ardern delivered a virtual address at the Singapore FinTech Festival on December 9, 2020, using the platform to highlight the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) between New Zealand, Chile, and Singapore. Ardern lauded the agreement as a significant stride towards regulatory alignment in the digital economy, fostering business growth and innovation.
December 2020: Declaration of Climate Change Emergency
On December 2, 2020, Jacinda Ardern declared a climate change emergency in New Zealand and pledged to achieve carbon neutrality for the Government by 2025. This commitment involved transitioning the public sector to electric and hybrid vehicles, reducing the government's vehicle fleet, and phasing out coal-fired boilers in public buildings. While this motion received support from Labour, Green, and Māori parties, it was opposed by the National and ACT parties.
2020: Criticism of Australia's Deportation Policy
Ardern publicly criticized Australia's policy of deporting New Zealanders in 2020, labeling it as "corrosive" to the relationship between the two countries.
2020: Labour Party Delays Plans for New Taxes Until After 2020 Election
Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson clarified that the Labour Party would not introduce new taxes, including a capital gains tax, until after the 2020 election. This followed controversy and accusations by Minister of Finance Steven Joyce that there was a significant "hole" in their tax policy.
2020: Reactions to Ardern's Resignation Announcement
Following Jacinda Ardern's resignation announcement in January 2023, various reactions emerged from the New Zealand political landscape. Opposition leaders expressed gratitude for her service while critiquing some of her government's policies. The Green Party acknowledged a positive working relationship and commended her compassionate leadership. The Māori Party praised her leadership and contributions to New Zealand. Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First, attributed her resignation to unfulfilled promises during the 2020-2023 parliamentary term.
2020: Ardern's Stance on Cannabis Legalization
Jacinda Ardern chose to keep her personal views on cannabis legalization private until after the 2020 New Zealand cannabis referendum. Despite voting in favor of legalization, she refrained from publicly revealing her stance prior to the referendum to avoid potential influence on the democratic process.
2020: Landslide Victory in General Election
The 2020 general election saw Jacinda Ardern lead the Labour Party to a landslide victory, securing a majority government with 65 out of 120 seats in the House of Representatives. This win, which also garnered 50% of the party vote nationwide, was attributed to the government's successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences.
January 2021: Border Closure and Vaccination Strategy
On January 26, 2021, Jacinda Ardern announced the continuation of New Zealand's border closure to most foreign nationals and non-residents. This measure, aimed at safeguarding public health, was to remain in effect until a significant portion of New Zealand's population had been vaccinated against COVID-19.
February 2021: Ardern Criticizes Australia's Decision to Revoke Citizenship of ISIS Bride
In February 2021, Jacinda Ardern publicly criticized the Australian government's decision to revoke the citizenship of Suhayra Aden, a dual New Zealand-Australian national who had joined ISIS in Syria. Ardern accused Australia of abandoning its citizens and offered consular support to Aden and her children.
February 2021: Commencement of COVID-19 Vaccination Program
New Zealand's COVID-19 vaccination program was officially launched in February 2021, marking a crucial step in the country's fight against the pandemic and paving the way for a gradual return to normalcy.
May 2021: Ardern Expresses Belief in New Zealand Becoming a Republic
During the announcement of Dame Cindy Kiro as Governor-General in May 2021, Jacinda Ardern shared her belief that New Zealand would transition to a republic during her lifetime. This statement further fueled discussions about New Zealand's constitutional future.
May 2021: Ranked Top Leader by Fortune Magazine
In May 2021, Fortune magazine recognized Jacinda Ardern as the top leader on their list of the world's 50 greatest leaders, commending her for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Christchurch mosque shootings, and the Whakaari / White Island eruption.
May 2021: Ardern Hosts Australian PM Morrison, Issues Joint Statement on Indo-Pacific
In May 2021, Jacinda Ardern hosted Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The two leaders released a joint statement affirming bilateral cooperation on COVID-19, security, and the Indo-Pacific, expressing concerns about the South China Sea, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang.
June 2021: Formal Apology for the Dawn Raids
On June 14, 2021, Jacinda Ardern announced that the New Zealand Government would issue a formal apology for the Dawn Raids, a series of discriminatory police raids targeting Pasifika communities in the 1970s and 1980s. The apology was delivered at the Auckland Town Hall on June 26, 2021.
August 2021: Delta Variant Outbreak and Lockdown Measures
The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in August 2021 posed a significant challenge to New Zealand. The government responded by implementing a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. While the outbreak initially led to a surge in cases, infection rates began to decline by September, drawing comparisons to a similar outbreak in Australia, where containment efforts were less successful.
December 2021: Ardern Participates in Biden's Virtual Summit for Democracy
In December 2021, Ardern participated in the US-hosted Summit for Democracy, advocating for democratic resilience amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. She announced New Zealand's increased contributions to Pacific anti-corruption efforts, the Global Media Defence Fund, and the International Fund for Public Interest Media.
2021: Government Agrees to Increase Teachers' Pay
Following industrial action, Ardern's government agreed to raise primary teachers' pay by 2021. Starting teachers would receive a 12.8% increase, while senior teachers without additional responsibilities would see an 18.5% increase.
2021: Ardern Addresses 2021 Israel-Palestine Crisis
In 2021, during the Israel-Palestine crisis, Jacinda Ardern condemned both Hamas's rocket fire and Israel's response, stating that both sides went beyond self-defense. She maintained that Israel has a right to exist and that Palestinians have a right to a peaceful and secure home.
2021: Species Named in Honor of Jacinda Ardern
In 2021, several species were named in honor of Jacinda Ardern, including a flightless wētā (Hemiandrus jacinda), a beetle (Mecodema jacinda), a lichen (Ocellularia jacinda-arderniae), and an ant (Crematogaster jacindae).
2021: Peak Popularity
In early 2021, public sentiment towards the direction of the country under Jacinda Ardern's leadership reached a high of 70%, reflecting a period of strong public support.
2021: Planned Implementation of Travel Bubbles
The year 2021 saw the planned implementation of travel bubbles between New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Australia. These agreements, aimed at facilitating quarantine-free travel, were announced in December 2020 and signify a significant step towards resuming international travel amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Ranked Among Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women
Throughout 2021, Forbes magazine consistently ranked Jacinda Ardern among the 100 most powerful women in the world, placing her 34th that year.
2021: Ardern's Political Views and Climate Change Advocacy
Throughout her career, Jacinda Ardern has identified with various political labels including social democrat, progressive, republican, and feminist, drawing inspiration from figures like Helen Clark. She has been critical of capitalism, viewing child poverty and homelessness in New Zealand as its failures. Despite personally identifying as a democratic socialist, she acknowledges its limited relevance in New Zealand's political discourse. Notably, she has likened the urgency of addressing climate change to her generation's nuclear-free movement, referencing New Zealand's distinctive nuclear-free policy.
January 2022: Wedding Postponement
Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford's wedding, originally scheduled for January 2022, was postponed due to the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.
January 2022: Self-Isolation Due to COVID-19 Exposure
On January 29, 2022, Jacinda Ardern entered self-isolation as a precautionary measure after being identified as a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case on an Air New Zealand flight. Governor-General Cindy Kiro and chief press secretary Andrew Campbell, also passengers on the flight, similarly went into self-isolation.
April 2022: Ardern Banned from Russia Over Ukraine War Stance
In April 2022, Russia banned Jacinda Ardern and other New Zealand officials from entering the country. This was in response to New Zealand's sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
May 2022: Ardern Urges US to Join CPTPP, Condemns Gun Violence During US Visit
During a May 2022 US visit, Ardern urged the Biden administration to join the CPTPP trade agreement. She also used her platform to condemn gun violence, especially in light of the Robb Elementary School shooting, advocating for stricter gun control measures.
May 2022: Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Harvard University
In May 2022, Jacinda Ardern received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Harvard University for her contributions to shaping the world.
May 2022: Positive COVID-19 Test
Jacinda Ardern tested positive for COVID-19 on May 14, 2022, following a positive test result for her partner, Clarke Gayford, on May 8.
June 2022: Ardern Reassures Zelensky of New Zealand's Support for Ukraine
In June 2022, Ardern spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming New Zealand's continued sanctions against Russia. Zelensky thanked New Zealand for its aid and called for further support in rebuilding efforts.
June 2022: Ardern and New Australian PM Albanese Discuss Deportation Policy
In June 2022, Ardern visited newly elected Australian PM Anthony Albanese. Discussions included Australia's controversial deportation policy, Chinese influence in the Pacific, climate change, and cooperation with Pacific neighbors. Albanese expressed openness to addressing New Zealand's concerns about the deportation policy's impact.
June 2022: Samoan Prime Minister Visits New Zealand
In June 2022, the Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, visited New Zealand, marking an important diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
June 2022: Ardern Addresses NATO Summit, Criticizes China, Alleges Russian Disinformation
In a historic move, Ardern addressed the NATO Summit in June 2022, emphasizing New Zealand's dedication to peace and human rights. She criticized China for challenging international norms in the South Pacific and accused Russia of spreading disinformation in New Zealand due to its support for Ukraine.
June 2022: Ardern Meets Biden, Reaffirms Bilateral Ties, Addresses South China Sea and Ukraine
Jacinda Ardern met with US President Joe Biden in June 2022, reaffirming bilateral relations. They issued a joint statement addressing the South China Sea dispute, support for Ukraine, and concerns over human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. This drew criticism from China, accusing the US and New Zealand of spreading disinformation.
August 2022: Ardern Leads Delegation to Samoa, Celebrating 60 Years of Independence
In August 2022, Jacinda Ardern led a delegation to Samoa to commemorate the 60th anniversary of its independence. She discussed bilateral issues with Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, including climate change, economic resilience, and Samoan seasonal workers in New Zealand. New Zealand pledged financial aid for Samoa's climate change efforts and the reconstruction of Apia's Savalalo Market.
September 2022: Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Jacinda Ardern led New Zealand in mourning, delivering heartfelt tributes to the monarch. Ardern hailed the Queen as an "incredible woman" and a "constant in our lives," acknowledging her as a highly admired and respected figure.
September 2022: Ardern Attends Queen Elizabeth II's Funeral in Māori Cloak
Jacinda Ardern, accompanied by her fiancé Clarke Gayford and their daughter Neve, attended Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. She made a statement by wearing a traditional Māori cloak designed by Kiri Nathan, a renowned Māori fashion designer.
October 2022: Ardern Visits Scott Base, Underscoring Antarctic Research Commitment
In October 2022, Ardern visited New Zealand's Scott Base in Antarctica to mark its 65th anniversary, highlighting New Zealand's commitment to Antarctic research. Despite her C-130 Hercules aircraft experiencing a breakdown, the trip underscored the importance of the base for which the government had allocated significant funding for redevelopment.
November 2022: Ardern Supports Lowering the Voting Age
Following the Supreme Court's significant ruling in the Make It 16 Incorporated v Attorney-General case in November 2022, Jacinda Ardern voiced her support for lowering the voting age in New Zealand to 16 years old. Recognizing the need for a 75% majority vote, she announced the government's intention to introduce legislation to this effect.
November 2022: Ardern attends East Asia Summit and meets with US President Biden
In November 2022, Jacinda Ardern attended the East Asia Summit in Cambodia. During the summit, she condemned the Myanmar military regime's execution of political prisoners and called for a unified response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She also met with US President Biden to discuss New Zealand milk company A2 Milk's efforts to supply infant formula to help address the shortage in the United States.
November 2022: Ardern expresses intention to seek a third term as Prime Minister
In November 2022, Jacinda Ardern indicated her intention to seek a third term as the Prime Minister of New Zealand, contradicting her later decision to resign in January 2023.
December 2022: Hot Mic Incident and Reconciliation
In a widely publicized incident during Parliament's Question Time in December 2022, Jacinda Ardern was caught on a hot mic making a derogatory remark about ACT Party leader David Seymour. The comment, aired on live television, sparked controversy and prompted an apology from Ardern to Seymour. Subsequently, the two politicians reconciled and collaborated on a charitable initiative, auctioning a framed copy of the remark to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
2022: Critics Argue for Systemic Changes to Address Rising Housing Costs
By 2022, critics argued that the rising costs of housing continued to put significant strain on families and that systemic changes were necessary to ensure that any progress made toward poverty reduction would be sustainable.
2022: Decline in Popularity
Throughout 2022, Jacinda Ardern experienced a significant decline in domestic popularity, with approval ratings for her and her policies falling. Polling on the public's perception of the country's direction dropped from 70% in early 2021 to 30% by the end of 2022. Labour's polling numbers also fell to around 33%, mirroring figures from Ardern's initial rise to leadership in 2017. Ardern's personal approval rating dropped to 29%.
January 2023: Ardern's Popularity and Resignation
Despite experiencing record low approval ratings in opinion polls leading up to her resignation announcement on January 19, 2023, Jacinda Ardern maintained that this would not hinder the Labour Party's prospects in the upcoming election.
January 2023: Announcement of Resignation
In January 2023, Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation as Labour leader and as prime minister, marking a significant turning point in her political career.
January 2023: Ardern's Final Act as Prime Minister and Succession
Jacinda Ardern's final engagement as Prime Minister of New Zealand was attending a birthday celebration for Māori prophet Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana. Reflecting on her time in office, she expressed deep affection for her country and its people. On January 25, 2023, Chris Hipkins, who was elected unopposed, succeeded Ardern as Prime Minister and leader of the New Zealand Labour Party.
January 2023: Ardern Announces Resignation as Prime Minister of New Zealand
On January 19, 2023, Jacinda Ardern announced her decision to resign as the Prime Minister of New Zealand, citing a desire to spend more time with family and a depletion of energy to continue in the demanding role. Her decision came as a surprise, as she had indicated in November 2022 her intention to seek a third term.
April 2023: Ardern Appointed as Trustee of the Earthshot Prize
On April 4, 2023, Jacinda Ardern was appointed as a trustee of the Earthshot Prize, a prestigious environmental award. The announcement came from Prince William, who lauded her lifelong commitment to sustainability and environmental solutions, acknowledging her as one of the early proponents of the prize.
2023: Reactions to Ardern's Resignation Announcement
Following Jacinda Ardern's resignation announcement in January 2023, various reactions emerged from the New Zealand political landscape. Opposition leaders expressed gratitude for her service while critiquing some of her government's policies. The Green Party acknowledged a positive working relationship and commended her compassionate leadership. The Māori Party praised her leadership and contributions to New Zealand. Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First, attributed her resignation to unfulfilled promises during the 2020-2023 parliamentary term.
2023: Ardern Accepts Fellowships at Harvard Kennedy School
In 2023, Jacinda Ardern accepted dual fellowships at Harvard Kennedy School, commencing in the fall semester. She will serve as the 2023 Angelopoulos Global Public Leaders Fellow and a Hauser Leader at the Center for Public Leadership, aiming to share and acquire leadership and governance expertise. Concurrently, she will engage with Harvard's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society as the inaugural Knight Tech Governance Leadership Fellow, focusing on online extremism.
2023: Appointed Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
In 2023, Jacinda Ardern was appointed a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (GNZM) during the King's Birthday and Coronation Honours for her service to the state.
2023: Resignation as Prime Minister
Jacinda Ardern served as Prime Minister until 2023 when she announced her resignation.
January 2024: Marriage to Clarke Gayford
Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford were married on January 13, 2024, at Craggy Range Winery near Havelock North in Hawke's Bay.
2025: Target for Carbon Neutrality
The New Zealand Government, under Jacinda Ardern's leadership, set a target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, demonstrating a commitment to addressing climate change. This ambitious goal involves a multi-faceted approach, including transitioning to a low-carbon economy and implementing sustainable practices across government operations.
