Ardern, a global icon of the left, shocked the nation last week. When she said she was stepping down as prime minister because she had nothing left in the tank.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Jacinda Ardern made. Her final public appearance as New Zealand prime minister on Tuesday. saying the thing she would miss most was the people, because they were the “joy of the job”.
Ardern, a global icon of the left, shocked the nation on Thursday when she said she was stepping down after more. Than five years as leader because she had nothing left in the tank. Labor lawmakers voted unanimously on Sunday. For Chris Hipkins to take over as prime minister and he will be sworn in on Wednesday.
Ardern’s final act as leader was to join Hipkins. And other lawmakers at the Ratana meeting grounds. Home to an indigenous Maori religious movement.
Ardern told reporters that she had been friends with Hipkins for almost 20 years. And spent two hours with her on the drive to the meeting grounds. He said the only real advice he could give was, “You do it.” “It’s for him now. It’s for him to carve out his own space to be his own kind of leader,” Ardern said. “Actually, there’s no advice I can really give. I can share information, share experience, but that’s it for now.”
Ardern also addressed the wide-ranging discussion. That has taken place since her announcement about the frightening. And anti-social attacks on her on social media. Something she says did not contribute to her decision to step down.
“Although there have been some comments. After my departure, I would hate for anyone to see my departure. As a negative comment against New Zealand,” Ardern said. That was my main experience.”
Hipkins told reporters the change in leadership was “bittersweet.”
Ardern was greeted with hugs and songs at the meeting grounds. He told those attending that he would leave the job with more love. And affection for New Zealand and its people than when he started. “I didn’t think it was possible,” he said.
He said, his colleagues are exceptional people.
“I’ve never done this alone,” Ardern said. “I did it with these wonderful servants from New Zealand. And I know you’re in the best hands.”
Ardern plans to stay as an MP until April to avoid a special election. Before the country’s general election in October. He said he was ready for his new, relatively obscure role.
“I’m ready to be a lot of things,” Ardern told reporters. “I am ready to be a backbench MP. I am ready to be a sister and a mother.“
