Jacinda Ardern#Public image

Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern was born on 26 July 1980 in Hamilton, New Zealand.{{cite news |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Candidate-profile-Jacinda-Ardern/tabid/419/articleID/230094/Default.aspx |title=Candidate profile: Jacinda Ardern |publisher=3 News |date=19 October 2011 |access-date= 20 December 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120111075836/http://www.3news.co.nz/Candidate-profile-Jacinda-Ardern/tabid/419/articleID/230094/Default.aspx |archive-date= 11 January 2012 }} She grew up in Morrinsville and Murupara, where her father, Ross Ardern, worked as a police officer,{{cite news |last=Cumming |first=Geoff |title=Battle for Beehive hot seat |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10753980 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=24 September 2011 |access-date=12 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330054916/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10753980 |archive-date=30 March 2019 |url-status=live}} and her mother, Laurell Ardern ({{née|Bottomley}}), worked as a school catering assistant.{{cite web |url=https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/celebrity/celeb-news/jacinda-arderns-country-childhood-2894 |title=Jacinda Ardern's country childhood |publisher=Now to Love |date=30 June 2014 |last=Bertrand |first=Kelly |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021003909/https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/celebrity/celeb-news/jacinda-arderns-country-childhood-2894 |archive-date=21 October 2017 |access-date=20 October 2017}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11272687 |title=Labour MP Jacinda Ardern warms to Hairy and friends |first=Ruth |last=Keber |date=12 June 2014 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=22 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330010148/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11272687 |archive-date=30 March 2019 |url-status=live}} She has an older sister named Louise.{{Cite web |last=Jacobson |first=Julie |title=Jacinda Ardern on her sister's wedding day surprise |url=https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/lifestyle/weddings/jacinda-ardern-on-her-sisters-wedding-day-surprise-33666 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Now To Love |date=August 2017 |language=en |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114013514/https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/lifestyle/weddings/jacinda-ardern-on-her-sisters-wedding-day-surprise-33666 |url-status=live }} Ardern was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and her uncle, Ian S. Ardern, is a general authority in the church.{{cite news |last1=Walch |first1=Tad |title=President Nelson meets New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, says church will donate to mosques |url=https://www.deseret.com/2019/5/20/20673972/president-nelson-meets-new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-says-church-will-donate-to-mosques |access-date=9 April 2022 |work=Deseret News|publisher=LDS Church|date=20 May 2019 |language=en |archive-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408231241/https://www.deseret.com/2019/5/20/20673972/president-nelson-meets-new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-says-church-will-donate-to-mosques |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Elder Ian S. Ardern: 'Go and do' |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2011-04-23/elder-ian-s-ardern-general-authority-seventy-2011-58526 |work=Church News |publisher=LDS Church|access-date=9 April 2022 |date=23 April 2011 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601003815/https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2011-04-23/elder-ian-s-ardern-general-authority-seventy-2011-58526 |url-status=live }} In 1994, she began studying at Morrinsville College,{{cite news |title=Jacinda Ardern visits Morrinsville College |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/national-video/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503075&gal_cid=1503075&gallery_id=180109 |website=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=28 February 2018 |date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301044523/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/national-video/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503075&gal_cid=1503075&gallery_id=180109 |archive-date=1 March 2018 |url-status=live}} and later she was the student representative on the school's board of trustees.{{cite web |title=Ardern, Jacinda: Maiden Statement |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/49HansS_20081216_00001012/ardern-jacinda-maiden-statements |work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=6 June 2018 |date=16 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621144107/https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/49HansS_20081216_00001012/ardern-jacinda-maiden-statements |archive-date=21 June 2018 |url-status=live}} Whilst still at school, she found her first job, working at a local fish-and-chip shop.{{cite news |last=Tanirau |first=Katrina |date=10 August 2017 |title=Labour leader Jacinda Ardern hits hometown in campaign trail |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/95634526/labour-leader-jacinda-ardern-hits-hometown-in-campaign-trail |website=Stuff |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208060000/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/95634526/labour-leader-jacinda-ardern-hits-hometown-in-campaign-trail |archive-date=8 December 2019 |url-status=live}}

She joined the Labour Party at the age of 17. Her aunt, Marie Ardern, a longstanding member of the Labour Party, recruited the teenaged Ardern to help her with campaigning for New Plymouth MP Harry Duynhoven during his re-election campaign at the 1999 general election.{{cite news |last=Cooke |first=Henry |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96921185/how-marie-ardern-got-her-niece-jacinda-into-politics |title=How Marie Ardern got her niece Jacinda into politics |work=Stuff |date=16 September 2017 |access-date=17 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917142506/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96921185/how-marie-ardern-got-her-niece-jacinda-into-politics |archive-date=17 September 2017 |url-status=live}}

Ardern attended the University of Waikato, graduating in 2001 as a Bachelor of Communication Studies in politics and public relations, a specialist three-year degree.{{cite web |title=Waikato BCS grad Jacinda Ardern becomes leader of the NZ Labour Party |url=https://apps.mngt.waikato.ac.nz/Newsroom/StudentProfile/3724 |publisher=University of Waikato |access-date=15 August 2017 |date=2 August 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816062931/https://apps.mngt.waikato.ac.nz/Newsroom/StudentProfile/3724 |archive-date=16 August 2017}}{{Cite web |title=2018 |url=https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/qualifications/bachelor-of-communication/2018 |access-date=27 October 2022 |website=waikato.ac.nz |language=en-NZ |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210164035/https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/qualifications/bachelor-of-communication/2018 |url-status=dead }} She took a semester abroad at Arizona State University in 2001.{{cite news| first=Jessica |last=Meyers |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-new-zealand-jacinda-20180309-story.html |title='Jacindamania' sweeps New Zealand as it embraces a new prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, who isn't your average pol |website=Los Angeles Times |date=9 March 2018 |access-date = 22 October 2024 |archive-date = 15 May 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210515065123/https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-new-zealand-jacinda-20180309-story.html |url-status = live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/ardern-pays-tribute-lives-lost-20-years-9-11 |title=Ardern pays tribute to lives lost 20 years on from 9/11 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=12 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912063352/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/ardern-pays-tribute-lives-lost-20-years-9-11 |url-status=live}} After graduating from university, she spent time working in the offices of Phil Goff and of Helen Clark as a researcher. After a period of time in New York City, United States, where she volunteered at a soup kitchen{{cite news |first1=David |last1=Tweed |first2=Tracy |last2=Withers |title=Kiwi PM Jacinda Ardern will be world's youngest female leader |url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/kiwi-pm-jacinda-ardern-will-be-worlds-youngest-female-leader-20171020-gz4yoo.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=21 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220173816/http://www.smh.com.au/world/kiwi-pm-jacinda-ardern-will-be-worlds-youngest-female-leader-20171020-gz4yoo.html |archive-date=20 February 2018}} and worked on a workers' rights campaign,{{cite book |last=Duff |first=Michelle |title=Jacinda Ardern: The Story Behind An Extraordinary Leader |publisher=Allen & Unwin |page=70}} Ardern moved to London, England, in 2006, where she became a senior policy adviser in an 80-person policy unit of the United Kingdom Cabinet Office under prime minister Tony Blair.{{cite web |title=People – New Zealand Labour Party |url=http://labourparty.org.nz/people/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223024509/http://labourparty.org.nz/people/ |archive-date=23 December 2008}} (She did not meet Blair in person while in London, but later at an event in New Zealand in 2011 she questioned him about the 2003 invasion of Iraq).{{cite news |last=Dudding |first=Adam |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96123508 |title=Jacinda Ardern: I didn't want to work for Tony Blair |work=Stuff |date=17 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925233219/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96123508 |archive-date=25 September 2017 |url-status=live}} Ardern was also seconded to the United Kingdom Home Office to help with a review of policing in England and Wales.{{cite web |title=New Voices: Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins and Jonathan Young |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/inew-voicesi-jacinda-ardern-chris-hipkins-and-jonathan-young/GB5SOF6T7ITRQNJVQNSIQTQ7GQ/ |access-date=18 August 2021 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225536/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10551371&pnum=2 |url-status=live}}

{{See also|Electoral history of Jacinda Ardern}}

On 30 January 2008, at 27, Ardern was elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) at their world congress in the Dominican Republic for a two-year term until 2010.{{cite news |last1=Kirk |first1=Stacey |date=1 August 2017 |title=Jacinda Ardern says she can handle it and her path to the top would suggest she's right |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/95327574/Jacinda-Ardern-says-shes-can-handle-it-and-her-path-to-the-top-would-suggest-shes-right |url-status=live |access-date=15 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621070157/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/95327574/Jacinda-Ardern-says-shes-can-handle-it-and-her-path-to-the-top-would-suggest-shes-right |archive-date=21 June 2018}}{{cite web |date=31 January 2008 |title=Jacinda Ardern to lead IUSY |url=https://thestandard.org.nz/ardern-to-lead-iusy/ |access-date=18 August 2021 |website=The Standard |language=en-NZ |archive-date=21 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821040450/https://thestandard.org.nz/ardern-to-lead-iusy/ |url-status=live}} The role saw her spend time in several countries, including Hungary, Jordan, Israel, Algeria and China. It was mid-way through her presidency term that Ardern became a list MP for the Labour Party. She then continued to manage both roles for the next 15 months.

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Ahead of the 2008 election, Ardern was ranked 20th on Labour's party list. This was a very high placement for someone who was not already a sitting MP, and virtually assured her of a seat in Parliament. Accordingly, Ardern returned from London to campaign full-time.{{cite news |title=Labour Party list for 2008 election announced {{!}} Scoop News |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0808/S00518.htm |access-date=16 August 2017|work=Scoop|date=31 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731234958/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0808/S00518.htm |archive-date=31 July 2017}} She also became Labour's candidate for the safe National electorate of Waikato. Ardern was unsuccessful in the electorate vote, but her high placement on Labour's party list allowed her to enter Parliament as a list MP.{{cite web |title=Official Count Results – Waikato |url=http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2008/electorate-54.html |website=electionresults.govt.nz |access-date=16 August 2017 |year=2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407145916/http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2008/electorate-54.html |archive-date=7 April 2017}} Upon election, she became the youngest sitting MP in Parliament, succeeding fellow Labour MP Darren Hughes, and remained the youngest MP until the election of Gareth Hughes on 11 February 2010.{{cite news |last1=Trevett |first1=Claire |title=Greens' newest MP trains his sights on the bogan vote |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10623156 |access-date=22 April 2018 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=29 January 2010 |language=en-NZ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422205013/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10623156 |archive-date=22 April 2018 |url-status=live}}

Opposition leader Phil Goff promoted Ardern to the front bench, naming her Labour's spokesperson for Youth Affairs and as associate spokesperson for Justice (Youth Affairs).{{cite web |title=Jacinda Ardern |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/ardern-jacinda/ |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=15 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802173743/https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/ardern-jacinda/ |archive-date=2 August 2017}}

She made regular appearances on TVNZ's Breakfast programme as part of the "Young Guns" feature, in which she appeared alongside National MP (and future National leader) Simon Bridges.{{cite news |first1=Leith |last1=Huffadine |first2=Tracy |last2=Watkins |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101825823/Bridges-and-Ardern-the-young-guns-who-are-now-in-charge |title='Bridges and Ardern': the young guns who are now in charge |work=Stuff |access-date=23 May 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181005171554/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101825823/Bridges-and-Ardern-the-young-guns-who-are-now-in-charge |archive-date=5 October 2018 |url-status=live}}

File:Mining Protest-4 cropped.jpg and Carol Beaumont, at an anti-mining march on 1 May 2010]]

Ardern contested the seat of {{NZ electorate link|Auckland Central}} for Labour in the 2011 general election, standing against incumbent National MP Nikki Kaye for National and Greens candidate Denise Roche. She lost to Kaye by 717 votes. However, she returned to Parliament via the party list, on which she was ranked 13th.{{cite web |url=http://www.electionresults.org.nz/electionresults_2011/electorate-1.html |title=Auckland Central electorate results 2011 |website=Electionresults.org.nz |access-date=21 October 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406210207/http://electionresults.org.nz/electionresults_2011/electorate-1.html |archive-date=6 April 2017}} Ardern maintained an office within the electorate while she was a list MP based in Auckland Central.{{cite book |last1=Miller |first1=Raymond |title=Democracy in New Zealand |date=2015 |publisher=Auckland University Press |isbn=978-1-77558-808-5 |pages=79–80 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1T93CQAAQBAJ&pg=PT79 |access-date=22 November 2019 |language=en |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018032741/https://books.google.com/books?id=1T93CQAAQBAJ&pg=PT79&lpg=PT79 |url-status=live}}

After Goff resigned from the Party leadership following his defeat at the 2011 election, Ardern supported David Shearer over David Cunliffe. She was elevated to the fourth-ranking position in his Shadow Cabinet on 19 December 2011, becoming a spokesperson for social development under the new leader.

Ardern stood again in Auckland Central at the 2014 general election. She again finished second though increased her own vote and reduced Kaye's majority from 717 to 600.{{cite web |url=http://www.electionresults.org.nz/electionresults_2014/electorate-1.html |title=Official Count Results – Auckland Central |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=4 October 2014 |date=4 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006132255/http://www.electionresults.org.nz/electionresults_2014/electorate-1.html |archive-date=6 October 2014}} Ranked 5th on Labour's list, Ardern was still returned to Parliament where she became Shadow spokesperson for Justice, Children, Small Business, and Arts & Culture under new leader Andrew Little.{{cite news | author-link=Vernon Small |first=Vernon |last=Small |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/63469945/Little-unveils-new-Labour-caucus |title=Little unveils new Labour caucus |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180817231101/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/63469945/little-unveils-new-labour-caucus |archive-date=17 August 2018 |work=Stuff |date=24 November 2014}}

In 2014 Ardern was also selected, attended and graduated from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Forum of Young Global Leaders,{{cite web |title=The Forum of Young Global Leaders |url=https://www.younggloballeaders.org/ |access-date=4 February 2022 |website=The Forum of Young Global Leaders |language=en |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516083845/https://www.younggloballeaders.org/ |url-status=live}} founded by Klaus Schwab, which takes place in Switzerland. She remains involved publicly as a part of the Young Global Leaders Alumni Community,{{cite web |title=Community |url=https://www.younggloballeaders.org/community/ |access-date=4 February 2022 |website=The Forum of Young Global Leaders |language=en |archive-date=29 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629170213/http://widgets.weforum.org/ygl-2017/ |url-status=live}} and speaks at WEF events.

{{Main|2017 Mount Albert by-election}}

Ardern put forward her name for the Labour nomination for the Mount Albert by-election to be held in February 2017{{cite news |url=http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/87556640/labour-mp-jacinda-ardern-to-run-for-selection-in-mt-albert-byelection |title=Labour MP Jacinda Ardern to run for selection in Mt Albert by-election |website=Stuff |last=Sachdeva |first=Sam |date=19 December 2016 |access-date=19 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221054235/http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/87556640/labour-mp-jacinda-ardern-to-run-for-selection-in-mt-albert-byelection |archive-date=21 December 2016 |url-status=dead}} following the resignation of David Shearer on 8 December 2016. When nominations for the Labour Party closed on 12 January 2017, Ardern was the only nominee and was selected unopposed. On 21 January, Ardern participated in the 2017 Women's March, a worldwide protest in opposition to Donald Trump, the newly inaugurated president of the United States.{{cite news |last1=Ainge Roy |first1=Eleanor |title='I've got what it takes': will Jacinda Ardern be New Zealand's next prime minister? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/15/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-election-campaign |work=The Guardian |access-date=16 September 2017 |date=15 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170915234907/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/15/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-election-campaign |archive-date=15 September 2017}} She was confirmed as Labour's candidate at a meeting on 22 January.{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/88372683/jacinda-ardern-labours-sole-nominee-for-mt-albert-byelection |title=Jacinda Ardern Labour's sole nominee for Mt Albert by-election |website=Stuff |access-date=12 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817041211/http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/88372683/jacinda-ardern-labours-sole-nominee-for-mt-albert-byelection |archive-date=17 August 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11781313 |title=Jacinda Ardern to contest Mt Albert byelection |work=The New Zealand Herald |last=Jones |first=Nicholas |date=12 January 2017 |access-date=12 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113010425/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11781313 |archive-date=13 January 2017 |url-status=live}} Ardern won a landslide victory, gaining 77 per cent of votes cast in the preliminary results.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11807614 |title=Jacinda Ardern wins landslide victory Mt Albert by-election |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=25 February 2017 |access-date=25 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225071839/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11807614 |archive-date=25 February 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/by2017/ |title=Mt Albert – Preliminary Count |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=25 February 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226132241/http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/by2017/ |archive-date=26 February 2017}}

Following her win in the by-election, Ardern was unanimously elected as deputy leader of the Labour Party on 7 March 2017, following the resignation of Annette King, who was intending to retire at the next election.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11813400 |title=Jacinda Ardern confirmed as Labour's new deputy leader |date=6 March 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=25 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119022153/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11813400 |archive-date=19 November 2018 |url-status=live}} Ardern's vacant list seat was taken by Raymond Huo.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11804547 |title=Labour's Raymond Huo set to return to Parliament after Maryan Street steps aside |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=21 February 2017 |access-date=21 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221205944/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11804547 |archive-date=21 February 2017 |url-status=live}}

{{Main|Shadow Cabinet of Jacinda Ardern}}

File:Jacinda Ardern at the University of Auckland (cropped).jpg in September 2017]]On 1 August 2017, just seven weeks before the 2017 general election, Ardern assumed the position of leader of the Labour Party, and consequently became leader of the Opposition, following the resignation of Andrew Little. Little stood down due to the party's historically low polling.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11897500 |title=Andrew Little's full statement on resignation |date=31 July 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=24 May 2018 |language=en-NZ |issn=1170-0777 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151616/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11897500 |archive-date=24 May 2018 |url-status=live}} Ardern was unanimously confirmed in an election to choose a new leader at a caucus meeting the same day. At 37, Ardern became the youngest leader of the Labour Party in its history.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/04/world/asia/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand.html |title=New Zealand's Election Had Been Predictable. Then 'Jacindamania' Hit. |last=Kwai |first=Isabella |date=4 September 2017 |work=The New York Times |access-date=13 September 2017 |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913071621/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/04/world/asia/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand.html |archive-date=13 September 2017}} She is also the second female leader of the party after Helen Clark. According to Ardern, Little had previously approached her on 26 July and said he thought she should take over as Labour leader then, as he was of the opinion he could not turn things around for the party, although Ardern declined and told him to "stick it out".{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11922098 |title=Little asked Ardern to lead six days before he resigned |date=14 September 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=15 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915160849/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11922098 |archive-date=15 September 2017 |url-status=live}}

At her first press conference, after her election as leader, she said that the forthcoming election campaign would be one of "relentless positivity".{{cite news |first=Eleanor |last=Ainge Roy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/01/andrew-little-resigns-as-new-zealand-opposition-leader-weeks-from-election |title=Jacinda Ardern becomes youngest New Zealand Labour leader after Andrew Little quits |date=7 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912075823/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/01/andrew-little-resigns-as-new-zealand-opposition-leader-weeks-from-election |archive-date=12 September 2017}} Immediately following her appointment, the party was inundated with donations by the public, reaching NZ$700 per minute at its peak.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11897857 |title=Donations to Labour surge as Jacinda Ardern named new leader |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=2 August 2017 |access-date=7 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901203039/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11897857 |archive-date=1 September 2017 |url-status=live}} After Ardern's ascension to the leadership, Labour rose dramatically in opinion polls. By late August, the party had reached 43 per cent in the Colmar Brunton poll (having been 24 per cent under Little's leadership) as well as managing to overtake National in opinion polls for the first time in over a decade. Detractors observed her positions were substantially similar to those of Andrew Little, and suggested that Labour's sudden increase in popularity were due to her youth and good looks.

In mid-August, Ardern stated that a Labour government would establish a tax working group to explore the possibility of introducing a capital gains tax but ruled out taxing family homes.{{cite news |title=Video: Jacinda Ardern won't rule out capital gains tax |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/337723/video-jacinda-ardern-won-t-rule-out-capital-gains-tax |access-date=7 October 2017 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=22 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008030241/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/337723/video-jacinda-ardern-won-t-rule-out-capital-gains-tax |archive-date=8 October 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Tarrant |first1=Alex |title=Labour leader maintains 'right and ability' to introduce capital gains tax if working group suggests it next term; Would exempt family home |url=http://www.interest.co.nz/property/89327/labour-leader-ardern-maintains-right-and-ability-introduce-capital-gains-tax-if |access-date=7 October 2017 |publisher=Interest.co.nz |date=15 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008133113/http://www.interest.co.nz/property/89327/labour-leader-ardern-maintains-right-and-ability-introduce-capital-gains-tax-if |archive-date=8 October 2017}} In response to negative publicity, Ardern abandoned plans to introduce a capital gains tax during the first term of a Labour government.{{cite news |last1=Kirk |first1=Stacey |title=Jacinda Ardern tells Kelvin Davis off over capital gains tax comments |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96385172 |access-date=7 October 2017 |work=Stuff |date=1 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008081330/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96385172 |archive-date=8 October 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Hickey |first1=Bernard |title=Jacinda stumbled into a $520bn minefield |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2017/09/23/49703/jacinda-stumbled-into-a-520bn-minefield |access-date=7 October 2017 |publisher=Newsroom |date=24 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008084426/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2017/09/23/49703/jacinda-stumbled-into-a-520bn-minefield |archive-date=8 October 2017}} Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson later clarified that Labour would not introduce new taxes until after the 2020 election. The policy shift accompanied strident allegations by Minister of Finance Steven Joyce that Labour had an $11.7 billion "hole" in its tax policy.{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=Election: Labour backs down on tax, will not introduce anything from working group until after 2020 election |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96830392/labour-releases-full-tax-plan-in-response-to-criticism-over-its-working-group |access-date=7 October 2017 |work=Stuff |date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008031745/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96830392/labour-releases-full-tax-plan-in-response-to-criticism-over-its-working-group |archive-date=8 October 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Steven Joyce still backing Labour's alleged $11.7b fiscal hole |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/09/steven-joyce-still-backing-labour-s-alleged-11-7b-fiscal-hole.html |access-date=7 October 2017 |work=Newshub |date=19 September 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008030529/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/09/steven-joyce-still-backing-labour-s-alleged-11-7b-fiscal-hole.html |archive-date=8 October 2017}}

The Labour and Green parties' proposed water and pollution taxes also generated criticism from farmers. On 18 September 2017, the farming lobby group Federated Farmers staged a protest against the taxes in Ardern's hometown of Morrinsville. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters attended the protest to campaign but was jeered at by the farmers because they suspected he was also in favour of the taxes. During the protest, one farmer displayed a sign calling Ardern a "pretty communist". This was criticised as misogynistic by former prime minister Helen Clark.{{cite news |title=Farmers protest against Jacinda Ardern's tax policies |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11923532 |access-date=7 October 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=18 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008030113/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11923532 |archive-date=8 October 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Labour leader Jacinda Ardern unshaken by Morrinsville farming protest |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/09/labour-leader-jacinda-ardern-unshaken-by-morrinsville-farming-protest.html |access-date=7 October 2017 |work=Newshub |date=19 August 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008030315/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/09/labour-leader-jacinda-ardern-unshaken-by-morrinsville-farming-protest.html |archive-date=8 October 2017}}

In the final days of the general election campaign, the opinion polls narrowed with National taking a slight lead.{{cite journal |last=Vowles |first=Jack |title=Surprise, surprise: the New Zealand general election of 2017 |journal=Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online |date=3 July 2018 |volume=13 |issue=2 |pages=147–160 |doi=10.1080/1177083X.2018.1443472 |doi-access=free}}

{{further|2017 New Zealand general election}}

At the general election held on 23 September 2017, Ardern retained her Mount Albert electorate seat by a margin of 15,264 votes.{{cite web |title=Mt Albert – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/electorate-details-27.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115201722/https://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/electorate-details-27.html |archive-date=15 January 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Preliminary results for the 2017 General Election |url=http://www.elections.org.nz/news-media/preliminary-results-2017-general-election |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=7 October 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002174516/http://www.elections.org.nz/news-media/preliminary-results-2017-general-election |archive-date=2 October 2017}}{{cite news |title='Jacindamania' fails to run wild in New Zealand poll |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/asia-pacific/jacindamania-fails-to-run-wild-in-new-zealand-poll-1.3231915 |access-date=7 October 2017 |agency=Reuters |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=23 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008030400/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/asia-pacific/jacindamania-fails-to-run-wild-in-new-zealand-poll-1.3231915 |archive-date=8 October 2017}} Labour increased its vote share to 36.89 per cent while National dropped back to 44.45. Labour gained 14 seats, increasing its parliamentary representation to 46 seats, the best result for the party since losing power in 2008.{{cite web |title=2017 General Election – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/ |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=17 November 2020 |archive-date=10 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610055552/https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/ |url-status=live}} Following the victory, Jacinda was dubbed 'the best prime minister' of New Zealand by the public{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Gavin |date=2023-02-03 |title=Loved Abroad, but Divisive at Home: The Controversial Legacy of Jacinda Ardern |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/loved-abroad-but-divisive-at-home-the-controversial-legacy-of-jacinda-ardern/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=VICE |language=en-US}}

The rival Labour and National parties lacked sufficient seats to govern alone and held talks with the Greens and New Zealand First parties about forming a coalition. Under the country's mixed-member proportional (MMP) voting system, New Zealand First held the balance of power and chose to be part of a coalition government with Labour.{{cite news |title=Ardern and Davis to lead Labour negotiating team |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/340286/ardern-and-davis-to-lead-labour-negotiating-team |access-date=7 October 2017 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=26 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926190922/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/340286/ardern-and-davis-to-lead-labour-negotiating-team |archive-date=26 September 2017}}{{cite news |title=NZ First talks with National, Labour begin |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/97564343/nz-first-talks-with-national-labour |access-date=7 October 2017 |work=Stuff |date=5 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008030042/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/97564343/nz-first-talks-with-national-labour |archive-date=8 October 2017 |url-status=live}}

{{See also|Sixth Labour Government of New Zealand|List of international prime ministerial trips made by Jacinda Ardern}}

{{Infobox administration

| image = Jacinda Ardern May 2022.jpg

| image_size =

| name = Premiership of Jacinda Ardern

| term_start = 26 October 2017

| term_end = 25 January 2023

| monarch = Elizabeth II
Charles III

| cabinet = Sixth Labour Government of New Zealand

| party = New Zealand Labour Party

| election = 2017, 2020

| appointer = Patsy Reddy

| predecessor = Bill English

| successor = Chris Hipkins

| seal =

| seal_size =

| seal_caption =

| official_url =

}}

File:GGNZ Swearing of new Cabinet - Jacinda Ardern & Winston Peters.jpg and Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy at the swearing-in of the Cabinet on 26 October 2017]]

On 19 October 2017, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters agreed to form a coalition with Labour, making Ardern the next prime minister.{{cite news |last1=Haynes |first1=Jessica |title=Jacinda Ardern: Who is New Zealand's next prime minister? |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-19/jacinda-ardern-who-is-new-zealands-next-prime-minister/9067330 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=20 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171020100904/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-19/jacinda-ardern-who-is-new-zealands-next-prime-minister/9067330 |archive-date=20 October 2017}}{{Cite news |first=Grant |last=Chapman |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/10/new-pm-jacinda-ardern-joins-an-elite-few-among-world-nz-leaders.html |title=New PM Jacinda Ardern joins an elite few among world, NZ leaders |work=Newshub |access-date=26 October 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171026033659/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/10/new-pm-jacinda-ardern-joins-an-elite-few-among-world-nz-leaders.html |archive-date=26 October 2017}} This coalition received confidence and supply from the Green Party.{{cite news |title=Green Party ratifies confidence and supply deal with Labour |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11934957 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=19 October 2017 |date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019110519/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11934957 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |url-status=live}} Ardern named Peters as deputy prime minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. She also gave New Zealand First five posts in her government, with Peters and three other ministers serving in Cabinet.{{cite news |title=Jacinda Ardern reveals ministers of new government |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11936599 |access-date=26 October 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=26 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025151518/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11936599 |archive-date=25 October 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=New government ministers revealed |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/342329/new-government-ministers-revealed |access-date=26 October 2017 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=25 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025185702/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/342329/new-government-ministers-revealed |archive-date=25 October 2017}} The next day, Ardern indicated her intention to take ministerial responsibilities in the National Security and Intelligence; Arts, Culture and Heritage; and children's portfolios; reflecting the shadow positions she held as Leader of the Opposition.{{cite news | author-link=Vernon Small |first=Vernon |last=Small |title=Predictable lineup of ministers as Ardern ministry starts to take shape |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98109894/predictable-line-up-of-ministers-as-ardern-ministry-starts-to-take-shape |work=Stuff |access-date=21 October 2017 |date=20 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021062614/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98109894/predictable-line-up-of-ministers-as-ardern-ministry-starts-to-take-shape |archive-date=21 October 2017 |url-status=live}} She wanted to appoint herself the Minister for Children but was advised that role was too large to hold alongside her other responsibilities;{{cite web |last=Vance |first=Andrea |date=2 August 2020 |title=NZ First Minister Tracey Martin: 'I didn't think I was good enough' |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/122259407/nz-first-minister-tracey-martin-i-didnt-think-i-was-good-enough |access-date=21 November 2024 |website=Stuff }} instead, Ardern became the first Minister for Child Poverty Reduction.{{cite web |url=https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/our-business-units/cabinet-office/ministers-and-their-portfolios/ministerial-list |title=Ministerial List |website=Ministerial List |access-date=28 October 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010093313/https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/our-business-units/cabinet-office/ministers-and-their-portfolios/ministerial-list |archive-date=10 October 2017}} She was officially sworn in by Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy on 26 October, alongside her ministry.{{cite news |first=Derek |last=Cheng |title=Jacinda Ardern sworn in as new Prime Minister |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11936791 |access-date=26 October 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=26 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025213356/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11936791 |archive-date=25 October 2017 |url-status=live}} Upon taking office, Ardern said that her government would be "focused, empathetic and strong".{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/politics/new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-worlds-youngest/ |title=Who is New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern – the world's youngest female leader? |first=Eleanor |last=Steafel |date=26 October 2017 |access-date=29 October 2017 |work=The Daily Telegraph |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029012052/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/politics/new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-worlds-youngest/ |archive-date=29 October 2017}}

Ardern is New Zealand's third female prime minister after Jenny Shipley (1997–1999) and Helen Clark (1999–2008).{{cite web |title=Premiers and Prime Ministers |url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/premiers-and-pms |website=Ministry for Culture and Heritage |access-date=22 October 2017 |date=12 December 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711115243/https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/premiers-and-pms |archive-date=11 July 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11933639 |title=It's Labour! Jacinda Ardern will be next PM after Winston Peters and NZ First swing left |date=19 October 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=29 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022150644/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11933639 |archive-date=22 October 2017 |url-status=live}} She is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders.{{cite web |title=Members – President Of The Council Of Women World Leaders |url=http://www.lrp.lt/cwwl/the-council/members/21472 |website=lrp.lt |access-date=13 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913002237/http://www.lrp.lt/cwwl/the-council/members/21472 |archive-date=13 September 2018 |url-status=dead}} Entering office aged 37, Ardern is also the youngest individual to become New Zealand's head of government since Edward Stafford, who became premier in 1856 also aged 37.{{cite web |last1=Atkinson |first1=Neill |title=Jacinda Ardern Biography |url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/jacinda-ardern |publisher=Ministry for Culture and Heritage |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619163921/https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/jacinda-ardern |archive-date=19 June 2018 |url-status=dead}} On 19 January 2018, Ardern announced that she was pregnant, and that Winston Peters would take the role of acting prime minister for six weeks after the birth.{{cite news |title=Jacinda Ardern on baby news: 'I'll be Prime Minister and a mum' |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/348449/ardern-i-ll-be-prime-minister-and-a-mum |access-date=19 January 2018 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=19 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119004157/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/348449/ardern-i-ll-be-prime-minister-and-a-mum |archive-date=19 January 2018}} Following the birth of a daughter, she took her maternity leave from 21 June to 2 August 2018.{{cite news |first=Jane |last=Patterson |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/360079/winston-peters-is-in-charge-his-duties-explained |title=Winston Peters is in charge: His duties explained |date=21 June 2018 |work=Radio New Zealand |access-date= 22 June 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180621043126/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/360079/winston-peters-is-in-charge-his-duties-explained |archive-date= 21 June 2018 |url-status= live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=12062952 |title=Winston Peters is now officially Acting Prime Minister |date=21 June 2018 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621093307/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=12062952 |archive-date=21 June 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12099377 |title='Throw fatty out': Winston Peters fires insults on last day as PM |date=1 August 2018 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=1 August 2018 |language=en-NZ |issn=1170-0777 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801110941/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12099377 |archive-date=1 August 2018 |url-status=live}}

File:James Shaw and a pregnant Jacinda Ardern walk with group 2018.jpg at Victoria University of Wellington, 12 April 2018]]

Ardern promised to halve child poverty in New Zealand within a decade.{{cite news |last1=Mercer |first1=Phil |title=A country famed for quality of life faces up to child poverty |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-45819681 |access-date=22 March 2019 |work=BBC News |date=16 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322083106/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-45819681 |archive-date=22 March 2019 |url-status=live}} In July 2018, Ardern announced the start of her government's flagship Families Package.{{cite news |last1=Ainge Roy |first1=Eleanor |title=Jacinda Ardern welcomes new welfare reforms from the sofa with new baby |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/02/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-welfare-reforms-baby |access-date=3 April 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=2 July 2018 |location=Dunedin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402233501/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/02/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-welfare-reforms-baby |archive-date=2 April 2019 |url-status=live}} Among its provisions, the package gradually increased paid parental leave to 26 weeks and introduced a $60 per-week universal BestStart Payment for low and middle-income families with young children. The Family Tax Credit, Orphans Benefit, Accommodation Supplement, and Foster Care Allowance were all substantially increased as well.{{cite web |title=Supporting New Zealand families |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/supporting-new-zealand-families-0 |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402183412/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/supporting-new-zealand-families-0 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |url-status=live}} In 2019, the government began the roll-out of a school lunches pilot programme to assist in reducing child poverty numbers; this was then extended to support 200,000 children (about 25 per cent of school rolls) in low decile schools.{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/117748418/free-lunches-for-lowdecile-school-kids-whats-on-the-menu |title=Free lunches for low-decile school kids: What's on the menu? |last=Biddle |first=Donna-Lee |date=28 November 2019 |work=Stuff |access-date=7 May 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191128191215/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/117748418/free-lunches-for-lowdecile-school-kids-whats-on-the-menu |archive-date=28 November 2019 |url-status=live}} Other efforts to reduce poverty have included increases to main welfare benefits,{{cite news |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/04/25-benefit-increase-making-a-difference-for-beneficiaries-during-lockdown-carmel-sepuloni.html |title=$25 benefit increase 'making a difference' for beneficiaries during lockdown – Carmel Sepuloni |last=Andelane |first=Lana |date=19 April 2020 |website=Newshub |access-date=7 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422211720/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/04/25-benefit-increase-making-a-difference-for-beneficiaries-during-lockdown-carmel-sepuloni.html |archive-date=22 April 2020 |url-status=dead}} expanding free doctor's visits, providing free menstrual hygiene products in schools{{cite web |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/asia-pacific/501091-new-zealand-providing-free-sanitary-products-in-schools |title=New Zealand providing free sanitary products in schools |last=Klar |first=Rebecca |date=6 June 2020 |website=The Hill |access-date=7 June 2020 |archive-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606133157/https://thehill.com/policy/international/asia-pacific/501091-new-zealand-providing-free-sanitary-products-in-schools |url-status=live}} and adding to state housing stock.{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/101931724/blenheim-to-get-13-new-state-houses-in-nationwide-pledge |title=Blenheim to get 13 new state houses in nationwide pledge |last=Heyward |first=Emily |date=4 March 2018 |website=Stuff |access-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107041423/https://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/101931724/blenheim-to-get-13-new-state-houses-in-nationwide-pledge |archive-date=7 January 2020 |url-status=live}}

However, as of 2022 critics say rising housing costs are continuing to cripple families and systemic changes are needed to ensure any gains are lasting.{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/benefit-increases-go-to-330000-families-more-than-half-in-new-zealand/OSOPY2O26TXUFDODQ6FR7GUX24/ |title=Benefit increases go to 330,000 families – more than half in New Zealand |first=Michael |last=Neilson |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=25 January 2022 |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129063747/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/benefit-increases-go-to-330000-families-more-than-half-in-new-zealand/OSOPY2O26TXUFDODQ6FR7GUX24/ |url-status=live}}

Economically, Ardern's government implemented steady increases to the country's minimum wage{{cite news |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/04/coronavirus-business-expert-condemns-government-decision-to-raise-minimum-wage-amid-pandemic.html |title=Coronavirus: Business expert condemns Government decision to raise minimum wage amid pandemic |last=Molyneux |first=Vita |date=16 April 2020 |work=Newshub |access-date=7 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419103504/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/04/coronavirus-business-expert-condemns-government-decision-to-raise-minimum-wage-amid-pandemic.html |archive-date=19 April 2020 |url-status=dead}} and introduced the Provincial Growth Fund to invest in rural infrastructure projects.{{cite web |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/provincial-growth-fund-open-business |title=Provincial Growth Fund open for business |last=Jones |first=Shane |date=23 February 2018 |website=New Zealand Government |access-date=7 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222042212/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/provincial-growth-fund-open-business |archive-date=22 February 2020 |url-status=live}} The National Party's planned tax cuts were cancelled, saying instead it would prioritise expenditure on healthcare and education.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Nicholas |date=20 October 2017 |title=Jacinda Ardern confirms new government will dump tax cuts |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11935318 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=10 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816230502/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11935318 |archive-date=16 August 2018 |url-status=live}} The first year of post-secondary education was made free from 1 January 2018 and, after industrial action, the government agreed to increase primary teachers' pay by 12.8 (for beginning teachers) and 18.5 per cent (for senior teachers without other responsibilities) by 2021.{{cite news |last=Collins |first=Simon |date=26 June 2019 |title=Teachers accept pay deal – but principals reject it |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12243943 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=10 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107150445/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12243943 |archive-date=7 January 2020 |url-status=live}}

Despite the Labour Party campaigning on a capital gains tax for the last three elections, Ardern pledged in April 2019 that the government would not implement a capital gains tax under her leadership.{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Peter |date=18 April 2019 |title=Week in Politics: Labour's biggest campaign burden scrapped |work=Radio New Zealand |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/387347/week-in-politics-labour-s-biggest-campaign-burden-scrapped |url-status=live |access-date=25 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422123651/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/387347/week-in-politics-labour-s-biggest-campaign-burden-scrapped |archive-date=22 April 2019}}{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Larry |title=Jack Tame: No CGT is 'enormous failure' for PM |work=Newstalk ZB |url=http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/larry-williams-drive/audio/the-huddle-is-this-jacinda-arderns-biggest-failure/ |url-status=dead |access-date=25 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425055742/https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/larry-williams-drive/audio/the-huddle-is-this-jacinda-arderns-biggest-failure/ |archive-date=25 April 2019}} However, since then the period for which capital gain on rental properties sold is taxed has increased from five to ten years since purchase.{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/460478/ordinary-new-zealanders-bearing-brunt-of-bright-line-test-national |title=Ordinary New Zealanders bearing brunt of bright-line test |work=RNZ News |date=29 January 2022 |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129071143/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/460478/ordinary-new-zealanders-bearing-brunt-of-bright-line-test-national |url-status=live}}

Ardern travelled to Waitangi in 2018 for the annual Waitangi Day commemoration; stayed in Waitangi for five days, an unprecedented length.{{cite news |last1=Ainge-Roy |first1=Eleanor |title=Jacinda Ardern defuses tensions on New Zealand's sacred Waitangi Day |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/06/jacinda-ardern-waitangi-day-changes-new-zealand |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=The Guardian |date=6 February 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616053530/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/06/jacinda-ardern-waitangi-day-changes-new-zealand |archive-date=16 June 2018 |url-status=live}} Ardern became the first female prime minister to speak from the top marae. Her visit was largely well received by Māori leaders, with commentators noting a sharp contrast with the acrimonious responses received by several of her predecessors.{{cite news |last1=Sachdeva |first1=Sam |title=Jacinda Ardern ends five-day stay in Waitangi |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/02/05/81389/jacinda-ardern-ends-five-day-stay-in-waitangi |access-date=16 June 2018 |work=Newsroom |date=6 February 2018 |language=en-AU |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616053638/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/02/05/81389/jacinda-ardern-ends-five-day-stay-in-waitangi |archive-date=16 June 2018 |url-status=dead}}

On 24 August 2018, Ardern removed Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran from Cabinet after she failed to disclose a meeting with a broadcaster outside of parliamentary business, which was judged to be a conflict of interest. Curran remained a minister outside Cabinet, and Ardern was criticised by the Opposition for not dismissing Curran from her portfolio. Ardern later accepted Curran's resignation.{{cite news |author1-link= Tova O'Brien |last1=O'Brien |first1=Tova |last2=Hurley |first2=Emma |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern accepts Clare Curran's resignation as a minister |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/09/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-accepts-clare-curran-s-resignation-as-a-minister.html |access-date=22 March 2019 |work=Newshub |date=9 July 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322000313/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/09/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-accepts-clare-curran-s-resignation-as-a-minister.html |archive-date=22 March 2019 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |title=Clare Curran situation has 'done real damage' to Jacinda Ardern and Government's credibility – Simon Bridges |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/clare-curran-situation-has-done-real-damage-jacinda-ardern-and-governments-credibility-simon-bridges |access-date=22 March 2019 |work=TVNZ |date=7 September 2018 |language=en-NZ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322000312/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/clare-curran-situation-has-done-real-damage-jacinda-ardern-and-governments-credibility-simon-bridges |archive-date=22 March 2019 |url-status=live}} In 2019, she was criticised for her handling of an allegation of sexual assault against a Labour Party staffer. Ardern said she had been told the allegation did not involve sexual assault or violence before a report about the incident was published in The Spinoff.{{cite news |last1=Manhire |first1=Toby |author-link1=Toby Manhire |title=Timeline: Everything we know about the Labour staffer inquiry |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/11-09-2019/timeline-labour-staffer-misconduct-inquiry/ |access-date=29 April 2020 |work=The Spinoff |date=11 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515161009/https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/11-09-2019/timeline-labour-staffer-misconduct-inquiry/ |archive-date=15 May 2020 |url-status=live}} Media questioned her account, with one journalist stating that Ardern's claim was "hard to swallow".{{cite news |last1=Vance |first1=Andrea |title=Labour Party president Nigel Haworth has resigned – but it's not over |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/115719872/labour-party-president-nigel-haworth-has-resigned--but-its-not-over |access-date=29 April 2020 |work=Stuff |language=en |quote=Ardern says she didn't know the allegations were sexual until this week. That's hard to swallow. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220035935/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/115719872/labour-party-president-nigel-haworth-has-resigned--but-its-not-over |archive-date=20 December 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Ainge Roy |first1=Eleanor |title=Ardern under pressure as staffer accused of sexual assault quits |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/12/jacinda-ardern-under-pressure-staffer-accused-sexual-assault-resigns |work=The Guardian |access-date=29 April 2020 |date=12 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219004922/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/12/jacinda-ardern-under-pressure-staffer-accused-sexual-assault-resigns |archive-date=19 December 2019 |url-status=live}}

Ardern opposes criminalising people who use cannabis in New Zealand, and pledged to hold a referendum on the issue.{{Cite news |date=18 December 2018 |title=New Zealand sets 2020 cannabis referendum |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46604305 |access-date=3 June 2020 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017172804/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46604305 |url-status=live}} A non-binding referendum to legalise cannabis was held in conjunction with the 2020 general election on 17 October 2020. Ardern admitted to past cannabis use during a televised debate prior to the election.{{cite news |work=The New York Times |title=Jacinda Ardern Admits Having Used Cannabis. New Zealanders Shrug: 'Us Too.' |first=Damien |last=Cave |date=1 October 2020 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/world/asia/jacinda-ardern-cannabis-new-zealand.html |access-date=1 October 2020 |archive-date=1 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001230103/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/world/asia/jacinda-ardern-cannabis-new-zealand.html |url-status=live}} In the referendum, voters rejected the proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill by 51.17 per cent.{{cite web |title=Official referendum results released |url=https://elections.nz/media-and-news/2020/official-referendum-results-released/ |website=Electoral Commission |access-date=7 October 2021 |archive-date=7 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007110613/https://elections.nz/media-and-news/2020/official-referendum-results-released/ |url-status=live}} A retrospective article published in a medical journal suggested that Ardern's refusal to publicly back the 'yes' campaign "may have been a decisive factor in the narrow defeat".{{cite journal |last1=Rychert |first1=Marta |last2=Wilkins |first2=Chris |title=Why did New Zealand's referendum to legalise recreational cannabis fail? |journal=Drug and Alcohol Review |date=7 March 2021 |volume=40 |issue=6 |pages=877–881 |doi=10.1111/dar.13254 |pmid=33677836 |s2cid=232140948}}

In September 2020, Ardern announced that her government had abandoned plans to make tertiary education tuition free.{{Cite web |date=16 September 2020 |title=Students disappointed Labour Party dropped fees-free plan |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018764206/students-disappointed-labour-party-dropped-fees-free-plan |access-date=17 July 2022 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz |archive-date=17 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717044358/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018764206/students-disappointed-labour-party-dropped-fees-free-plan |url-status=live }}

File:Jacinda Ardern and Donald Trump 2019.jpg, 23 September 2019]]

File:Moon, Duterte, Ardern and Aung San Suu Kyi at 14th East Asia Summit.jpg, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Ardern, and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, at the 14th East Asia Summit in Thailand, 4 November 2019]]

On 5 November 2017, Ardern made her first official overseas trip to Australia, where she met Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for the first time. Relations between the two countries had been strained in the preceding months because of Australia's treatment of New Zealanders living in the country, and shortly before taking office, Ardern had spoken of the need to rectify this situation, and to develop a better working relationship with the Australian government.{{cite news |first1=Laura |last1=Walters |first2=Vernon |last2=Small |author2-link=Vernon Small |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98395425/jacinda-ardern-makes-first-state-visit-to-australia-to-strengthen-ties |title=Jacinda Ardern makes first state visit to Australia to strengthen ties |website=Stuff |access-date=11 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112023217/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98395425/jacinda-ardern-makes-first-state-visit-to-australia-to-strengthen-ties |archive-date=12 November 2017 |url-status=live}} Turnbull described the meeting in cordial terms: "we trust each other...The fact we are from different political traditions is irrelevant".{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11940766 |title=Key bromance haunts Jacinda Ardern's first Australia visit |last=Trevett |first=Claire |date=5 November 2017 |access-date=11 November 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111091309/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11940766 |archive-date=11 November 2017 |url-status=live}}

On 12 November 2017, Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker and Ardern announced that the government would continue participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations despite opposition from the Green Party.{{cite news |title=TPP deal revived once more, 20 provisions suspended |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/343584/tpp-deal-revived-once-more-20-provisions-suspended |access-date=2 May 2020 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=12 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403010633/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/343584/tpp-deal-revived-once-more-20-provisions-suspended |archive-date=3 April 2019 |url-status=live}} New Zealand ratified the revised agreement, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership,{{cite web |url=https://www.mfat.govt.nz/assets/CPTPP/Comprehensive-and-Progressive-Agreement-for-Trans-Pacific-Partnership-CPTPP-English.pdf |publisher=New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade |title=Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership |access-date=2 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222212252/https://www.mfat.govt.nz/assets/CPTPP/Comprehensive-and-Progressive-Agreement-for-Trans-Pacific-Partnership-CPTPP-English.pdf |archive-date=22 February 2020 |url-status=live}} which she described as being better than the original TPP agreement.{{cite news |last1=Satherley |first1=Dan |title=TPP 'a damned sight better' now – Ardern |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2017/11/tpp-a-damned-sight-better-now-ardern.html |access-date=2 May 2020 |work=Newshub.co.nz |date=12 November 2017 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519183259/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2017/11/tpp-a-damned-sight-better-now-ardern.html |archive-date=19 May 2018 |url-status=dead}}

Ardern attended the 2017 APEC summit in Vietnam,{{cite news |first=Patrick |last=O'Meara |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/343382/pm-heads-to-talks-hoping-to-win-tpp-concessions |title=PM heads to talks hoping to win TPP concessions |work=Radio New Zealand |date=9 November 2017 |access-date=10 November 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171109132929/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/343382/pm-heads-to-talks-hoping-to-win-tpp-concessions |archive-date=9 November 2017}} the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 in London (featuring a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II){{cite news |last1=McCulloch |first1=Craig |date=20 April 2018 |title=CHOGM: Ardern to toast Commonwealth at leaders' banquet |language=en-nz |work=Radio New Zealand |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/355550/chogm-ardern-to-toast-commonwealth-at-leaders-banquet |url-status=live |access-date=21 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421094856/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/355550/chogm-ardern-to-toast-commonwealth-at-leaders-banquet |archive-date=21 April 2018}} and a United Nations summit in New York City. After her first formal meeting with Donald Trump she reported that the US president showed "interest" in New Zealand's gun buyback programme.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |last2=Lynch |first2=Jenna |date=24 September 2019 |title=Jacinda Ardern, Donald Trump meeting: US President takes interest in gun buyback |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/09/jacinda-ardern-donald-trump-meeting-us-president-takes-interest-in-gun-buy-back.html |url-status=dead |access-date=15 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014193624/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/09/jacinda-ardern-donald-trump-meeting-us-president-takes-interest-in-gun-buy-back.html |archive-date=14 October 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Gambino |first1=Lauren |date=23 September 2019 |title=Trump showed interest in New Zealand gun buyback program, Ardern says |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/sep/23/donald-trump-jacinda-ardern-gun-buyback-un |url-status=live |access-date=15 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014193625/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/sep/23/donald-trump-jacinda-ardern-gun-buyback-un |archive-date=14 October 2019}} In 2018, Ardern raised the issue of Xinjiang internment camps and human-rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in China.{{cite news |last=Coughlan |first=Thomas |date=30 October 2018 |title=Ardern softly raises concern over Uighurs |work=Newsroom |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/10/29/297670/ardern-softly-raises-concern-over-uighurs# |url-status=live |access-date=22 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330205359/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/10/29/297670/ardern-softly-raises-concern-over-uighurs |archive-date=30 March 2019}}{{cite news |last=Christian |first=Harrison |date=7 November 2018 |title=The disappearing people: Uighur Kiwis lose contact with family members in China |work=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/108369903/the-disappearing-people-uighur-kiwis-lose-contact-with-family-members-in-china |url-status=live |access-date=22 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322113233/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/108369903/the-disappearing-people-uighur-kiwis-lose-contact-with-family-members-in-china |archive-date=22 March 2019}} Ardern has also raised concerns over the persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.{{cite news |last=Mutch Mckay |first=Jessica |date=14 November 2018 |title=Jacinda Ardern meets with Myanmar's leader, voices concern on Rohingya situation |publisher=TVNZ |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/jacinda-ardern-meets-myanmars-leader-voices-concern-rohingya-situation?variant=tb_v_2 |url-status=live |access-date=22 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330205519/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/jacinda-ardern-meets-myanmars-leader-voices-concern-rohingya-situation?variant=tb_v_2 |archive-date=30 March 2019}}

Ardern travelled to Nauru, where she attended the 2018 Pacific Islands Forum. Media and political opponents criticised her decision to travel separately from the rest of her contingent, costing taxpayers up to NZ$100,000, so that she could spend more time with her daughter.{{cite news |last1=Bracewell-Worrall |first1=Anna |title='I am Prime Minister – I have a job to do': Jacinda Ardern defends separate Nauru flight |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/09/i-am-prime-minister-i-have-a-job-to-do-jacinda-ardern-defends-separate-nauru-flight.html |access-date=8 September 2018 |work=Newshub |date=5 September 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907183008/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/09/i-am-prime-minister-i-have-a-job-to-do-jacinda-ardern-defends-separate-nauru-flight.html |archive-date=7 September 2018 |url-status=dead}} At a 2018 United Nations General Assembly meeting, Ardern became the first female head of government to attend with her infant present.{{cite news |last1=Ainge Roy |first1=Eleanor |date=24 September 2018 |title=Jacinda Ardern makes history with baby Neve at UN general assembly |language=en |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/25/jacinda-ardern-makes-history-with-baby-neve-at-un-general-assembly |url-status=live |access-date=27 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926224745/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/25/jacinda-ardern-makes-history-with-baby-neve-at-un-general-assembly |archive-date=26 September 2018}}{{cite news |last=Cole |first=Brendan |title=Jacinda Ardern: New Zealand Prime Minister Makes History By Becoming First Woman to Bring Baby into U.N.Assembly |magazine=Newsweek |url=https://www.newsweek.com/new-zealand-prime-minister-makes-history-becoming-first-woman-bring-baby-un-1137401 |url-status=live |access-date=28 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927211027/https://www.newsweek.com/new-zealand-prime-minister-makes-history-becoming-first-woman-bring-baby-un-1137401 |archive-date=27 September 2018}} Her address to the General Assembly praised the United Nations for its multilateralism, expressed support for the world's youth, called for immediate attention to the effects and causes of climate change, for the equality of women, and for kindness as the basis for action.{{cite news |title=Full speech: 'Me too must become we too' – Jacinda Ardern calls for gender equality, kindness at UN |language=en-NZ |work=TVNZ |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/full-speech-me-too-must-become-we-jacinda-ardern-calls-gender-equality-kindness-un |url-status=live |access-date=29 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928200820/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/full-speech-me-too-must-become-we-jacinda-ardern-calls-gender-equality-kindness-un |archive-date=28 September 2018}}

On 24 September 2019, Ardern met with United States President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting. During the 25-minute meeting, the two leaders discussed various issues including tourism, the Christchurch mosque shooting, and bilateral trade.{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Jane |title=PM Jacinda Ardern's meeting with Donald Trump discusses tourism, terror and trade |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/399471/pm-jacinda-ardern-s-meeting-with-donald-trump-discusses-tourism-terror-and-trade |access-date=17 July 2024 |work=RNZ |date=24 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501020742/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/399471/pm-jacinda-ardern-s-meeting-with-donald-trump-discusses-tourism-terror-and-trade |archive-date=1 May 2024|url-status=live}} During the meeting, Trump expressed an interest in New Zealand's gun buy-back scheme.{{cite news |last1=Small |first1=Zane |title=From 'great mates' to trading COVID-19 barbs: How the Donald Trump-Jacinda Ardern relationship unfolded |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/11/from-great-mates-to-trading-covid-19-barbs-how-the-donald-trump-jacinda-ardern-relationship-unfolded.html |access-date=17 July 2024 |work=Newshub |date=4 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411051741/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/11/from-great-mates-to-trading-covid-19-barbs-how-the-donald-trump-jacinda-ardern-relationship-unfolded.html |archive-date=11 April 2024}} The two leaders had earlier met briefly at the 2017 East Asia Summit, the 2017 APEC Summit, and during an exclusive party following the 2018 UN General Assembly meeting.

In late February 2020, Ardern met Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney. During her visit, she criticised Australia's policy of deporting New Zealanders, many of whom had lived in Australia but had not taken up Australian citizenship, as "corrosive" and damaging to Australia–New Zealand relations.{{cite news |date=28 February 2020 |title=Jacinda Ardern: Australia's deportation policy 'corrosive' |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-australia-51675920/jacinda-ardern-australia-s-deportation-policy-corrosive |url-status=live |access-date=2 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301034626/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-australia-51675920/jacinda-ardern-australia-s-deportation-policy-corrosive |archive-date=1 March 2020}}{{cite news |date=28 February 2020 |title=Jacinda Ardern blasts Scott Morrison over Australia's deportation policy – video |work=The Guardian |agency=Australian Associated Press |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2020/feb/28/jacinda-ardern-blasts-scott-morrison-over-australias-deportation-policy-video |url-status=live |access-date=2 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302022222/https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2020/feb/28/jacinda-ardern-blasts-scott-morrison-over-australias-deportation-policy-video |archive-date=2 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |date=28 February 2020 |title=Extraordinary scene as Jacinda Ardern directly confronts Scott Morrison over deportations |work=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/119907289/extraordinary-scene-as-jacinda-ardern-directly-confronts-scott-morrison-over-deportations?rm=m |url-status=live |access-date=2 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302104915/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/119907289/extraordinary-scene-as-jacinda-ardern-directly-confronts-scott-morrison-over-deportations?rm=m |archive-date=2 March 2020}}

{{Further|Christchurch mosque shootings}}

File:NZ PM Jacinda Ardern - Kirk HargreavesCCC.jpg Community Centre, 16 March 2019. Captured through a glass window, this photograph was widely shared at the time and described by The Guardian as "an image of hope".{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/25/an-image-of-hope-how-a-local-photographer-captured-the-famous-ardern-picture |title=An image of hope: how a Christchurch photographer captured the famous Ardern picture |last=Wahlquist |first=Calla |work=The Guardian |date=24 March 2019 |access-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331013819/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/25/an-image-of-hope-how-a-local-photographer-captured-the-famous-ardern-picture |archive-date=31 March 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/face-of-empathy-jacinda-ardern-photo-resonates-worldwide-after-attack-20190318-p5152g.html |title=Face of empathy: Jacinda Ardern photo resonates worldwide after attack |last=McConnell |first=Glenn |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=18 March 2019 |access-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331075505/https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/face-of-empathy-jacinda-ardern-photo-resonates-worldwide-after-attack-20190318-p5152g.html |archive-date=31 March 2019 |url-status=live}}]]

On 15 March 2019, 51 people were fatally shot and 49 injured in two mosques in Christchurch. In a statement broadcast on television, Ardern offered condolences and stated that the shootings had been carried out by suspects with "extremist views" that have no place in New Zealand, or anywhere else in the world.{{cite news |last1=Britton |first1=Bianca |title=New Zealand PM full speech: 'This can only be described as a terrorist attack' |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/15/asia/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-full-statement-intl/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=16 March 2019 |date=15 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315235052/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/15/asia/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-full-statement-intl/index.html |archive-date=15 March 2019 |url-status=live}} She also described it as a well-planned terrorist attack.{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/111313238/shooting-at-christchurch-mosque |title=Three in custody after 49 killed in Christchurch mosque shootings |work=Stuff |access-date=15 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315013612/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/111313238/shooting-at-christchurch-mosque |archive-date=15 March 2019 |url-status=live}}

US President Donald Trump telephoned her asking if there was anything the US could do; Ardern described the killer as a terrorist, and asked Trump to "show sympathy and love for all Muslim communities ... the terrorist chose us because he knew that New Zealand openly welcomed people of all faiths. He wanted to destroy that."

Ardern announced a period of national mourning, and was the first signatory of a national condolence book that she opened in the capital, Wellington.{{cite news| title=National condolence book opened for victims of Christchurch mosques terror attack | publisher=New Zealand government| date=17 March 2019 | url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/national-condolence-book-opened-victims-christchurch-mosques-terror-attack}} She also travelled to Christchurch to meet first responders and families of the victims.{{cite news |first1=Steve |last1=George |first2=Joshua |last2=Berlinger |first3=Hilary |last3=Whiteman |first4=Harmeet |last4=Kaur |first5=Ben |last5=Westcott |first6=Meg |last6=Wagner |title=New Zealand mosque terror attacks |url=https://edition.cnn.com/asia/live-news/live-updates-new-zealand-shooting-christchurch-terror-attack-intl/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=19 March 2019 |date=19 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318195743/https://edition.cnn.com/asia/live-news/live-updates-new-zealand-shooting-christchurch-terror-attack-intl/index.html |archive-date=18 March 2019 |url-status=live}} In an address at the Parliament, she declared she would never say the name of the attacker: "Speak the names of those who were lost rather than the name of the man who took them... he will, when I speak, be nameless."{{Cite news |date=19 March 2019 |title=Christchurch shootings: Ardern vows never to say gunman's name |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47620630 |access-date=25 October 2020 |archive-date=31 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031235031/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47620630 |url-status=live}} Ardern received international praise for her response to the shootings,{{cite news |first=Ashley |last=Collman |url=https://www.thisisinsider.com/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-praised-for-mosque-shootings-response-2019-3 |title=People around the world are praising New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for her compassionate response to the Christchurch mosque shootings |website=Thisisinsider |date=19 March 2019 |access-date=18 March 2019 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018032741/https://www.insider.com/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-praised-for-mosque-shootings-response-2019-3 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |first=Rhonwyn |last=Newson |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/03/christchurch-terror-attack-jacinda-ardern-praised-for-being-compassionate-leader.html |title=Christchurch terror attack: Jacinda Ardern praised for being 'compassionate leader' |work=Newshub |date=18 March 2019 |access-date=18 March 2019 |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190401013011/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/03/christchurch-terror-attack-jacinda-ardern-praised-for-being-compassionate-leader.html |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=Fifield |first=Anna |author-link=Anna Fifield |date=18 March 2019 |title=New Zealand's prime minister receives worldwide praise for her response to the mosque shootings |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/03/18/new-zealands-prime-minister-wins-worldwide-praise-her-response-mosque-shootings/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319161731/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/03/18/new-zealands-prime-minister-wins-worldwide-praise-her-response-mosque-shootings/ |archive-date=19 March 2019 |access-date=24 June 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{cite news |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/life/culture/article/2019/03/20/five-ways-jacinda-ardern-has-proved-her-leadership-mettle |title=Five ways Jacinda Ardern has proved her leadership mettle |first=Saman |last=Shad |work=SBS World News |date=20 March 2019 |access-date=20 March 2019 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018032743/https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/voices/culture/article/2019/03/20/five-ways-jacinda-ardern-has-proved-her-leadership-mettle |url-status=live}} and a photograph of her hugging a member of the Christchurch Muslim community with the word "peace" in English and Arabic was projected onto the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/24/middleeast/jacinda-ardern-burj-khalifa-scli-intl/index.html |title=Image of Jacinda Ardern projected onto world's tallest building |last=Picheta |first=Rob |publisher=CNN |access-date=26 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325165453/https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/24/middleeast/jacinda-ardern-burj-khalifa-scli-intl/index.html |archive-date=25 March 2019 |url-status=live}} A {{convert|25|m|adj=on}} mural of this photograph was unveiled in May 2019.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/22/world/jacinda-ardern-mural-australia-trnd/index.html |title=A painter has revealed an 80-foot mural of New Zealand's prime minister comforting woman after mosque attacks |last=Prior |first=Ryan |publisher=CNN |access-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523011706/https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/22/world/jacinda-ardern-mural-australia-trnd/index.html |archive-date=23 May 2019 |url-status=live}}

In response to the shootings, Ardern announced her government's intention to introduce stronger firearms regulations.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12213269 |title=Christchurch mosque shootings: New Zealand to ban semi-automatic weapons |work=The New Zealand Herald |first=Jason |last=Walls |date=16 March 2019 |access-date=22 March 2019 |archive-date=22 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522215405/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12213269 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Greenfield |first1=Charlotte |last2=Westbrook |first2=Tom |title=New gun laws to make NZ safer after mosque shootings, says PM Ardern |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-newzealand-shootout/new-gun-laws-to-make-nz-safer-after-mosque-shootings-says-pm-ardern-idUKKCN1QY0WJ |access-date=18 March 2019 |work=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318124232/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-newzealand-shootout/new-gun-laws-to-make-nz-safer-after-mosque-shootings-says-pm-ardern-idUKKCN1QY0WJ |archive-date=18 March 2019 |url-status=dead}} She said that the attack had exposed a range of weaknesses in New Zealand's gun law.{{cite news |first=Eleanor |last=Ainge Roy |title=Jacinda Ardern says cabinet agrees New Zealand gun reform 'in principle' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/18/christchurch-attack-jacinda-ardern-says-cabinet-has-agreed-in-principle-gun-reform |access-date=19 March 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=19 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318233410/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/18/christchurch-attack-jacinda-ardern-says-cabinet-has-agreed-in-principle-gun-reform |archive-date=18 March 2019 |url-status=live}} Less than one month after the attack, the New Zealand Parliament passed a law that bans most semiautomatic weapons and assault rifles, parts that convert guns into semiautomatic guns, and higher capacity magazines.{{Cite news |last=Graham-McLay |first=Charlotte |date=10 April 2019 |title=New Zealand Passes Law Banning Most Semiautomatic Weapons, Weeks After Massacre |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/10/world/asia/new-zealand-guns-jacinda-ardern.html |access-date=3 June 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=24 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524120159/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/10/world/asia/new-zealand-guns-jacinda-ardern.html |url-status=live}} Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired the 2019 Christchurch Call summit, which aimed to "bring together countries and tech companies in an attempt to bring to an end the ability to use social media to organise and promote terrorism and violent extremism".{{cite news |title=Core group of world leaders to attend Jacinda Ardern-led Paris summit |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12226274 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=29 April 2019 |access-date=24 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623203028/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12226274 |archive-date=23 June 2019 |url-status=live}} In 2025, 130 governments and tech firms were signed up to the "Christchurch Call to Action".

On 14 March 2020, Ardern announced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand that the government would be requiring anyone entering the country from midnight 15 March to isolate themselves for 14 days.{{cite news |title=Everyone travelling to NZ from overseas to self-isolate |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/411738/live-everyone-travelling-to-nz-from-overseas-to-self-isolate |work=Radio New Zealand |date=14 March 2020 |access-date=16 March 2020 |archive-date=18 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418210801/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/411738/live-everyone-travelling-to-nz-from-overseas-to-self-isolate |url-status=live}} She said the new rules would give New Zealand the "widest-ranging and toughest border restrictions of any country in the world".{{cite news |last1=Keogh |first1=Brittany |title=Coronavirus: Prime Minister Ardern updates New Zealand on Covid-19 outbreak |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120279430/coronavirus-prime-minister-updates-nz-on-covid19-outbreak |work=Stuff |date=14 March 2020 |access-date=16 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314201653/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120279430/coronavirus-prime-minister-updates-nz-on-covid19-outbreak |archive-date=14 March 2020 |url-status=live}} On 19 March, Ardern closed New Zealand's borders to all except citizens and permanent residents from 21 March (NZDT).{{cite news |first=Anna |last=Whyte |title=PM places border ban on all non-citizens and non-permanent residents entering NZ |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/pm-places-border-ban-all-non-citizens-and-permanent-residents-entering-nz |access-date=20 March 2020 |work=TVNZ |date=19 March 2020 |language=en-NZ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319210134/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/pm-places-border-ban-all-non-residents-and-permanent-entering-nz |archive-date=19 March 2020 |url-status=live}} Ardern announced that New Zealand would move to alert level 4, including a nationwide lockdown, on 26 March.{{Cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120495548/live-pm-jacinda-ardern-to-give-update-on-coronavirus-alert-level |title=Live: PM Jacinda Ardern to give update on coronavirus alert level |work=Stuff |language=en |access-date=23 March 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200323005056/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120495548/live-pm-jacinda-ardern-to-give-update-on-coronavirus-alert-level |archive-date=23 March 2020 |url-status=live}}

National and international media covered the government response led by Ardern, praising her leadership and swift response to the outbreak in New Zealand.{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Coronavirus: Jacinda Ardern's 'incredible', 'down to earth' leadership praised after viral video |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/04/coronavirus-jacinda-ardern-s-incredible-down-to-earth-leadership-praised-after-viral-video.html |access-date=24 April 2020 |work=Newshub |date=24 April 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200421085636/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/04/coronavirus-jacinda-ardern-s-incredible-down-to-earth-leadership-praised-after-viral-video.html |archive-date=21 April 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Khalil |first1=Shaimaa |title=Coronavirus: How New Zealand relied on science and empathy |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52344299 |access-date=24 April 2020 |work=BBC News |date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422104113/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52344299 |archive-date=22 April 2020 |url-status=live}} The Washington Post{{'s}} Anna Fifield described her regular use of interviews, press conferences and social media as a "masterclass in crisis communication".{{cite news |last=Fifield |first=Anna|author-link=Anna Fifield |title=New Zealand isn't just flattening the curve. It's squashing it |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/new-zealand-isnt-just-flattening-the-curve-its-squashing-it/2020/04/07/6cab3a4a-7822-11ea-a311-adb1344719a9_story.html |access-date=24 April 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423023941/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/new-zealand-isnt-just-flattening-the-curve-its-squashing-it/2020/04/07/6cab3a4a-7822-11ea-a311-adb1344719a9_story.html |archive-date=23 April 2020 |url-status=live}} Alastair Campbell, a journalist and adviser in Tony Blair's British government, commended Ardern for addressing both the human and economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.{{cite news |author-link=Alastair Campbell |last1=Campbell |first1=Alastair |title=Jacinda Ardern's coronavirus plan is working because, unlike others, she's behaving like a true leader |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/coronavirus-new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-cases-deaths-leadership-a9460591.html |access-date=24 April 2020 |work=The Independent |date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423000350/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/coronavirus-new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-cases-deaths-leadership-a9460591.html |archive-date=23 April 2020 |url-status=live}}

In mid-April 2020 a lawsuit was filed, but dismissed, against Ardern and government officials, claiming that the COVID-19 lockdown infringed on the applicants' freedoms and was made for "political gain".{{cite news |last1=Boyle |first1=Chelseas |title=Lockdown lawsuit fails: Legal action against Jacinda Ardern dismissed |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12327116 |access-date=24 April 2020 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=23 April 2020 |language=en-NZ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424053448/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12327116 |archive-date=24 April 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Earley |first1=Melanie |title=Coronavirus: Man's lawsuit over Covid-19 lockdown restrictions dismissed |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/121228277/mans-claim-pm-jacinda-ardern-unlawfully-detained-him-with-lockdown-dismissed |access-date=24 April 2020 |work=Stuff |date=23 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427030606/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/121228277/mans-claim-pm-jacinda-ardern-unlawfully-detained-him-with-lockdown-dismissed |archive-date=27 April 2020 |url-status=live}}

On 5 May 2020, Ardern, her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison and several Australian state and territorial leaders agreed that they would collaborate to develop a trans-Tasman COVID-safe travel zone that would allow residents from both countries to travel freely without travel restrictions as part of efforts to ease coronavirus restrictions.{{cite news |title=Trans-Tasman bubble: Jacinda Ardern gives details of Australian Cabinet meeting |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/415869/trans-tasman-bubble-jacinda-ardern-gives-details-of-australian-cabinet-meeting |access-date=7 May 2020 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=5 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505194139/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/415869/trans-tasman-bubble-jacinda-ardern-gives-details-of-australian-cabinet-meeting |archive-date=5 May 2020}}{{cite news |last=Wescott |first=Ben |title=Australia and New Zealand pledge to introduce travel corridor in rare coronavirus meeting |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/05/australia/australia-new-zealand-ardern-coronavirus-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=7 May 2020 |publisher=CNN |date=5 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505194308/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/05/australia/australia-new-zealand-ardern-coronavirus-intl-hnk/ |archive-date=5 May 2020}}

Post-lockdown opinion polls showed the Labour Party with nearly 60 per cent support.{{Cite news |author-link= Tova O'Brien |last=O'Brien |first=Tova |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/05/newshub-reid-research-poll-jacinda-ardern-goes-stratospheric-simon-bridges-is-annihilated.html |title=Newshub-Reid Research Poll: Jacinda Ardern goes stratospheric, Simon Bridges is annihilated |date=18 May 2020 |work=Newshub |publisher=MediaWorks TV |access-date=18 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521224140/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/05/newshub-reid-research-poll-jacinda-ardern-goes-stratospheric-simon-bridges-is-annihilated.html |archive-date=21 May 2020 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/content/tvnz/onenews/story/2020/05/21/party.html |title=Pressure mounts as National falls to 29%, Labour skyrockets in 1 NEWS Colmar Brunton poll |date=21 May 2020 |work=1 News |publisher=TVNZ |access-date=21 May 2020 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018032744/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/content/tvnz/onenews/story/2020/05/21/party.html |url-status=live}} In May 2020, Ardern rated 59.5 per cent as 'preferred prime minister' in a Newshub-Reid Research poll—the highest score for any leader in the Reid Research poll's history.{{cite news |first=Swati |last=Pandey |title=Ardern becomes New Zealand's most popular PM in a century – poll |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-newzealand-politics-poll/ardern-becomes-new-zealands-most-popular-pm-in-a-century-poll-idUKKBN22U0PS |access-date=19 May 2020 |work=Reuters |date=18 May 2020 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520180633/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-newzealand-politics-poll/ardern-becomes-new-zealands-most-popular-pm-in-a-century-poll-idUKKBN22U0PS |archive-date=20 May 2020}}{{cite news |author-link= Tova O'Brien |last1=O'Brien |first1=Tova |title=Newshub-Reid Research Poll: Simon Bridges still confident he will lead National into election despite personal poll rating below 5 percent |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/05/newshub-reid-research-poll-simon-bridges-still-confident-he-will-lead-national-into-election-despite-personal-poll-ratings-below-5-percent.html |access-date=21 May 2020 |work=Newshub |date=18 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521233706/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/05/newshub-reid-research-poll-simon-bridges-still-confident-he-will-lead-national-into-election-despite-personal-poll-ratings-below-5-percent.html |archive-date=21 May 2020}} The number of lives saved by the response Ardern spearheaded was estimated as up to 80,000 by a team led by Shaun Hendy.{{Cite web |date=15 October 2020 |title=The government valued your life at $4.53m – until Covid came along |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/pro/page/government-valued-your-life-at-46m-until-covid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213094705/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/pro/page/government-valued-your-life-at-46m-until-covid |archive-date=13 February 2023 |access-date=27 January 2023 |website=Newsroom |language=en-AU}}

File:Dame Patsy with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.jpg and Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy at the swearing-in of the Cabinet on 6 November 2020]]

In the 2020 general election, Ardern led her party to a landslide victory,{{cite news |title=New Zealand election: Jacinda Ardern's Labour Party scores landslide win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-54519628 |access-date=18 October 2020 |work=BBC News |date=17 October 2020 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017194659/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-54519628 |url-status=live}} winning an overall majority of 65 seats in the 120-seat House of Representatives, and 50 per cent of the nationwide party vote (moreover Labour won the party vote in 71 out of the 72 electorates).{{cite web |title=2020 General Election and Referendums – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/ |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116180958/https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Shaw |first1=Richard |last2=Hayward |first2=Bronwyn |last3=Vowles |first3=Jack |last4=Curtin |first4=Jennifer |last5=MacDonald |first5=Lindsey |date=17 October 2020 |title=Jacinda Ardern and Labour returned in a landslide — 5 experts on a historic New Zealand election |url=https://theconversation.com/jacinda-ardern-and-labour-returned-in-a-landslide-5-experts-on-a-historic-new-zealand-election-148245 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018145222/https://theconversation.com/jacinda-ardern-and-labour-returned-in-a-landslide-5-experts-on-a-historic-new-zealand-election-148245 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |access-date=18 October 2020 |website=The Conversation}} She also retained the Mount Albert electorate by a margin of 21,246 votes.{{cite web |title=Mt Albert – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-24.html |website=Electoral Commission |access-date=12 November 2020}} Ardern credited her victory to her government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic impacts it has had.{{Cite news |date=18 October 2020 |title=New Zealand's Ardern credits virus response for election win |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/new-zealands-ardern-credits-virus-response-for-election-win-jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-election-result-government-endorsement-b1121301.html |access-date=18 October 2020 |archive-date=19 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019193031/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/new-zealands-ardern-credits-virus-response-for-election-win-jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-election-result-government-endorsement-b1121301.html |url-status=live}}

In 2021 the much more infectious Delta variant of covid was spreading in New Zealand; in August a nationwide lockdown was instituted, but cases continued to rise, and the government abandoned containment and accelerated vaccination.{{cite news |last=Corlett |first=Eva |title=New Zealand Covid elimination strategy to be phased out, Ardern says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/04/new-zealand-covid-strategy-in-transition-ardern-says-as-auckland-awaits-lockdown-decision |newspaper=The Guardian |date=4 October 2021}} Ardern said that she began to see that "New Zealand's sense of togetherness was starting to fracture". Anti-vaccine protesters demonstrated vociferously against Ardern. However, Ardern in 2025 continued to believe that she had saved about 24,000 lives by her actions, but said that she had found covid "really hard".

In 2022, domestic popularity for Ardern and her policies fell considerably, with polling on whether people "think the country is going in the right direction" tracking down from a high of 70% in early 2021 to 30% at the end of 2022. The last polls of 2022 had Labour at about 33%, similar to party polling when she first took over in 2017, and her approval rating dropped to 29%.{{cite web |title=JSupport for Jacinda Ardern and NZ Labour sinks to lowest since 2017, poll shows |website=TheGuardian.com |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/05/support-for-jacinda-ardern-and-nz-labour-sinks-to-lowest-since-2017-poll-shows |date=5 December 2022 |access-date=16 April 2024 |archive-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703103700/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/05/support-for-jacinda-ardern-and-nz-labour-sinks-to-lowest-since-2017-poll-shows |url-status=live }}

On 2 December 2020, Ardern declared a climate change emergency in New Zealand and pledged that the Government would be carbon neutral by 2025 in a parliamentary motion. As part of this commitment towards carbon neutrality, 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. This motion was supported by the Labour, Green, and Māori parties, but was opposed by the opposition National and ACT parties.{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Phil |title=New Zealand declares a climate change emergency |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/02/new-zealand-declares-a-climate-change-emergency |access-date=2 December 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202030445/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/02/new-zealand-declares-a-climate-change-emergency |archive-date=2 December 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=Government will have to buy electric cars and build green buildings as it declares climate change emergency |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300172852/government-will-have-to-buy-electric-cars-and-build-green-buildings-as-it-declares-climate-change-emergency |access-date=2 December 2020 |work=Stuff |date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202053524/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300172852/government-will-have-to-buy-electric-cars-and-build-green-buildings-as-it-declares-climate-change-emergency |archive-date=2 December 2020 |url-status=live}} However, climate activist Greta Thunberg said about Ardern: "It's funny that people believe Jacinda Ardern and people like that are climate leaders. That just tells you how little people know about the climate crisis ... the emissions haven't fallen."{{Cite news |title=Interview: The transformation of Greta Thunberg |last=Hattenstone |first=Simon |newspaper=The Guardian |date=25 September 2021 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2021/sep/25/greta-thunberg-i-really-see-the-value-of-friendship-apart-from-the-climate-almost-nothing-else-matters |access-date=25 September 2021 |archive-date=30 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030164705/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2021/sep/25/greta-thunberg-i-really-see-the-value-of-friendship-apart-from-the-climate-almost-nothing-else-matters |url-status=live}}

In response to worsening housing affordability issues, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Megan Woods announced new reforms. These reforms included the removal of the interest rate tax-deduction, lifting Housing Aid for first home buyers, renewed allocation of infrastructure funds (named Housing Acceleration Fund) for district councils, and an extension of the Bright Line Test from five to ten years.{{cite news |title='No silver bullet', but Govt fires plenty at housing crisis |author=Sam Sachdeva |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/politics/no-silver-bullet-but-govt-fires-plenty-at-housing-crisis |date=23 March 2021 |publisher=Newsroom |access-date=1 April 2021 |archive-date=10 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210113117/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/politics/no-silver-bullet-but-govt-fires-plenty-at-housing-crisis |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Higher house price caps would have helped only a few hundred first home buyers |author=Jeremy Couchman |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/new-rules-wont-help-the-first-home-buyer |date=25 March 2021 |publisher=Newsroom |access-date=1 April 2021 |archive-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324172252/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/new-rules-wont-help-the-first-home-buyer |url-status=live}}

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,{{cite news |last=Neilson |first=Michael |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces apology for dawn raids targeting Pasifika |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-announces-apology-for-dawn-raids-targeting-pasifika/OJPCQRDY3HH4UUQELE5RPSEUHA/ |access-date=14 June 2021 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614064654/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-announces-apology-for-dawn-raids-targeting-pasifika/OJPCQRDY3HH4UUQELE5RPSEUHA/ |archive-date=14 June 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=Government Minister Aupito William Sio in tears as he recalls family being subjected to dawn raid |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/government-minister-aupito-william-sio-in-tears-he-recalls-family-being-subjected-dawn-raid |access-date=14 June 2021 |work=1News |date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614064916/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/government-minister-aupito-william-sio-in-tears-he-recalls-family-being-subjected-dawn-raid |archive-date=14 June 2021 |url-status=live}} at the Auckland Town Hall on 26 June 2021.

In September 2022, Ardern led the nation's tributes following the death of New Zealand's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Ardern described her as an "incredible woman", a "constant in our lives",{{cite news |last=Davison |first=Isaac |title=How NZ will honour Elizabeth, PM praises 'incredible woman' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/queen-elizabeth-death-what-does-it-mean-for-new-zealand/3WO5ARUZVRT2YIRHYREOF3TNME/ |date=9 September 2022 |access-date=19 September 2022 |work=The New Zealand Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909192945/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/queen-elizabeth-death-what-does-it-mean-for-new-zealand/3WO5ARUZVRT2YIRHYREOF3TNME/ |archive-date=9 September 2022 |url-status=live}} and a "much admired and respected" monarch.{{Cite web |title=PM mourns death of Queen Elizabeth II |date=9 September 2022 |publisher=New Zealand Government |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/pm-mourns-death-queen-elizabeth-ii |access-date=19 September 2022 |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909035013/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/pm-mourns-death-queen-elizabeth-ii |url-status=live }} Ardern also stated that republicanism was currently not on the agenda but believed that the country would head in that direction in the future.

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. Since New Zealand parliamentary debates are televised, the comment was aired on television during Question Time. Ardern later texted Seymour to apologise for her comment.{{Cite news |date=13 December 2022 |title=Jacinda Ardern caught on hot mic calling minor opposition party leader an 'arrogant prick' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/13/jacinda-arden-caught-on-hot-mic-calling-minor-opposition-party-leader-an-arrogant-prick |access-date=13 December 2022 |work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219030114/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/13/jacinda-arden-caught-on-hot-mic-calling-minor-opposition-party-leader-an-arrogant-prick |archive-date=19 December 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Glenn |title=Jacinda Ardern apologises for calling David Seymour an 'arrogant prick' |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/130764372/jacinda-ardern-apologises-for-calling-david-seymour-an-arrogant-prick |access-date=20 December 2022 |work=Stuff |date=14 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218172734/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/130764372/jacinda-ardern-apologises-for-calling-david-seymour-an-arrogant-prick |archive-date=18 December 2022}} The two politicians subsequently reconciled and joined forces to raise NZ$60,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation by auctioning a signed and framed copy of the Prime Minister's remark.{{cite news |last1=Morgan |first1=Ella |title=Jacinda Ardern and David Seymour's 'arrogant prick' charity auction reaches $60,000 |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300768092/jacinda-ardern-and-david-seymours-arrogant-prick-charity-auction-reaches-60000 |access-date=20 December 2022 |work=Stuff |date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218172715/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300768092/jacinda-ardern-and-david-seymours-arrogant-prick-charity-auction-reaches-60000 |archive-date=18 December 2022 |url-status=live}}

On 17 June 2020, Prime Minister Ardern met with Bill Gates and Melinda Gates via a teleconference in a meeting requested by Bill Gates. In the meeting, Ardern was asked by Melinda Gates to "speak up" in support of a collective approach to a COVID-19 vaccine. Ardern said she'd be happy to assist, an Official Information Act request response has shown. A month earlier in May, Ardern's Government had pledged $37 million to help find a COVID-19 vaccine, which included $15 million to CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Economic Forum among others, and $7 million to GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation), also founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. During the meeting Gates noted this contribution.{{cite web |title=Melinda Gates' plea to Ardern over Covid-19 vaccine |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/melinda-gates-called-on-pm-jacinda-ardern-to-speak-up-in-support-of-global-covid-19-vaccine/2J22WDB5WDRXTCFN4ZMYJRPOAQ/ |access-date=4 February 2022 |website=The New Zealand Herald |date=2 November 2020 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=4 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204140710/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/melinda-gates-called-on-pm-jacinda-ardern-to-speak-up-in-support-of-global-covid-19-vaccine/2J22WDB5WDRXTCFN4ZMYJRPOAQ/ |url-status=live}} Ardern had also met the Gateses the year before in New York.{{cite web |title=Goalkeepers 2019 NYC Event Press Release |url=https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/media-center/press-releases/2019/09/goalkeepers-2019-nyc-event-press-release |access-date=4 February 2022 |website=Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |language=en |archive-date=4 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204140709/https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/media-center/press-releases/2019/09/goalkeepers-2019-nyc-event-press-release |url-status=live}}

On 12 December 2020, Ardern and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown announced that a travel bubble between New Zealand and the Cook Islands would be established in 2021, allowing two-way quarantine-free travel between the two countries.{{cite news |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: Cook Islands, New Zealand travel bubble without quarantine from early next year |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-cook-islands-new-zealand-travel-bubble-without-quarantine-from-early-next-year/5N3ZUPLQHGFLNJEMEV5SL2QTAA/ |access-date=11 December 2020 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=12 December 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211231224/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-cook-islands-new-zealand-travel-bubble-without-quarantine-from-early-next-year/5N3ZUPLQHGFLNJEMEV5SL2QTAA/ |archive-date=11 December 2020}} On 14 December, Prime Minister Ardern confirmed that the New Zealand and Australian Governments had agreed to establish a travel bubble between the two countries the following year.{{cite news |last1=Galloway |first1=Anthony |title=New Zealand travel bubble with Australia coming in early 2021, NZ PM confirms |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/new-zealand-travel-bubble-with-australia-coming-in-early-2021-nz-pm-confirms-20201214-p56na6.html |access-date=16 December 2020 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=14 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214014334/https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/new-zealand-travel-bubble-with-australia-coming-in-early-2021-nz-pm-confirms-20201214-p56na6.html |archive-date=14 December 2020}} On 17 December, Ardern also announced that the Government had purchased two more vaccines from the pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca and Novavax for New Zealand and its Pacific partners in addition to the existing stocks from Pfizer/BioNTech and Janssen Pharmaceutica.{{cite news |title=Govt secures another two Covid-19 vaccines, PM says every New Zealander will be able to be vaccinated |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/433029/govt-secures-another-two-covid-19-vaccines-pm-says-every-new-zealander-will-be-able-to-be-vaccinated |access-date=16 December 2020 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=16 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216221630/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/433029/govt-secures-another-two-covid-19-vaccines-pm-says-every-new-zealander-will-be-able-to-be-vaccinated |archive-date=16 December 2020 |url-status=live}}

File:Helen Winkelmann, Cindy Kiro, Jacinda Ardern - Waitangi 2022.jpg (centre), and the Chief Justice, Dame Helen Winkelmann, at Waitangi on 22 January 2022]]

On 26 January 2021, Ardern stated that New Zealand's borders would remain closed to most non-citizens and non-residents until New Zealand citizens have been "vaccinated and protected".{{cite news |last1=de Jong |first1=Eleanor |title=New Zealand borders to stay closed until citizens are 'vaccinated and protected' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/26/new-zealand-borders-to-stay-closed-until-citizens-are-vaccinated-and-protected |access-date=27 January 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127010959/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/26/new-zealand-borders-to-stay-closed-until-citizens-are-vaccinated-and-protected |archive-date=27 January 2021 |url-status=live}} The COVID-19 vaccination programme began in February 2021.{{cite web |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: No new community cases – Ashley Bloomfield and health officials give press conference as first Kiwis receive vaccinations |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-no-new-community-cases-ashley-bloomfield-and-health-officials-give-press-conference-as-first-kiwis-receive-vaccinations/2XJC2X6GQDHAZULRSJIAH3HHLE/ |access-date=11 September 2021 |website=The New Zealand Herald |date=19 February 2021 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=11 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911210132/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-no-new-community-cases-ashley-bloomfield-and-health-officials-give-press-conference-as-first-kiwis-receive-vaccinations/2XJC2X6GQDHAZULRSJIAH3HHLE/ |url-status=live}}

In the outbreak of the COVID-19 Delta variant in August 2021, she prompted the government to enact a nationwide lockdown again.{{Cite news |date=17 August 2021 |title=New Zealand enters nationwide lockdown over one Covid case |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58241619 |access-date=11 September 2021 |archive-date=5 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105104043/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58241619 |url-status=live}} By September, the number of new community infections began to fall again; comparisons were made with an outbreak in neighbouring Australia, which was unable to contain a Delta variant outbreak at the same time.{{cite web |date=10 September 2021 |title=Against all odds: how New Zealand is bending the Delta curve |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/11/against-all-odds-how-new-zealand-is-bending-the-delta-curve |access-date=11 September 2021 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=11 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911210132/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/11/against-all-odds-how-new-zealand-is-bending-the-delta-curve |url-status=live}}

In early October 2021, after one and a half years of pursuing a "Covid zero" strategy—a policy maintained even as many of its neighbors transitioned to living with the viral threat—New Zealand finally ended its zero-Covid approach, becoming the last country in the world to do so, apart from China.{{Cite web |last=Frost |first=Natasha |date=8 November 2021 |title=Battling Delta, New Zealand Abandons Its Zero-Covid Ambitions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/world/australia/new-zealand-covid-zero.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121091455/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/world/australia/new-zealand-covid-zero.html |archive-date=21 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2024 |website=The New York Times}}

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.{{cite news |title=Covid-19: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in self-isolation, identified as close contact of Covid case |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300506792/covid19-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-in-selfisolation-identified-as-close-contact-of-covid-case |access-date=29 January 2022 |work=Stuff |date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129091627/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300506792/covid19-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-in-selfisolation-identified-as-close-contact-of-covid-case |archive-date=29 January 2022 |url-status=live}}

During a routine school visit by Ardern, vociferous protestors gathered; Ardern was driven away, chased by protesters.{{cite web |title=Abuse, death threats and riots: New Zealand reckons with a toxic political discourse |website=TheGuardian.com |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/28/abuse-death-threats-and-riots-new-zealand-reckons-with-a-toxic-political-discourse?ref=upstract.com |date=27 January 2023 |access-date=16 April 2024 |archive-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703103701/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/28/abuse-death-threats-and-riots-new-zealand-reckons-with-a-toxic-political-discourse?ref=upstract.com |url-status=live }} The previous month Ardern's vehicle had been chased by anti-vaccination protesters calling her a Nazi and yelling obscenities; Ardern said it had been "just another day".{{cite web |title=Anti-Covid vaccine mandate protesters chase New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern outside school |website=TheGuardian.com |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/24/anti-covid-vaccine-mandate-protesters-chase-new-zealands-jacinda-ardern-outside-school |date=23 February 2022 |access-date=16 April 2024 |archive-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703103702/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/24/anti-covid-vaccine-mandate-protesters-chase-new-zealands-jacinda-ardern-outside-school |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern shrugs off car chase by anti-vaccination protesters |website=TheGuardian.com |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/26/jacinda-ardern-shrugs-off-car-chase-by-anti-vaccination-protesters |date=25 January 2022 |access-date=16 April 2024 |archive-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703103702/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/26/jacinda-ardern-shrugs-off-car-chase-by-anti-vaccination-protesters |url-status=live }}

Jacinda Ardern's government faced significant criticism for its border management during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) system. Thousands of New Zealanders were stranded abroad sometimes for years due to the system's limited capacity. Critics highlighted the severe consequences, including homelessness, financial ruin, family separation, and mental health crises. 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.{{Cite web |last=THE HIGH COURT OF NEW ZEALAND |date=27 April 2022 |title=Courts of New Zealand, Judgements Online, 2022-NZHC-832 |url=https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Judgments-online/2022-NZHC-832.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429112213/https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Judgments-online/2022-NZHC-832.pdf |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |access-date=22 November 2024 |website=Courts of New Zealand}}{{Cite news |last=Radio New Zealand |date=28 April 2022 |title=MIQ ruling: High Court has told govt it 'overstepped the mark', lawyer says |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466041/miq-ruling-high-court-has-told-govt-it-overstepped-the-mark-lawyer-says |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419101125/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466041/miq-ruling-high-court-has-told-govt-it-overstepped-the-mark-lawyer-says |archive-date=April 19, 2024 |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=RNZ }}{{Cite news |last=Lin |first=River |date=27 April 2022 |title=Law expert explains Grounded Kiwis MIQ court case win |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/04/27/law-expert-explains-grounded-kiwis-miq-court-case-win/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122160710/https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/04/27/law-expert-explains-grounded-kiwis-miq-court-case-win/ |archive-date=22 November 2024 |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=1 News, TVNZ}}{{Cite news |last=Dexter |first=Giles |date=28 April 2022 |title=High Court MIQ ruling 'a 'huge decision, very emotional' – advocate |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466020/high-court-miq-ruling-a-huge-decision-very-emotional-advocate |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419034424/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466020/high-court-miq-ruling-a-huge-decision-very-emotional-advocate |archive-date=19 April 2024 |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand }} 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,"{{Cite AV media|last=Ardern |first=Jacinda |date=25 May 2022 |title='We Will Buy Them Back And We Will Destroy Them' – PM Jacinda Ardern On Gun Control In New Zealand |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qai8LdcY9LQ|url-status=live|medium=8'53" video|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917203755/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qai8LdcY9LQ |archive-date=17 September 2024 |publisher=The Late Show|via=YouTube}} a remark widely criticized as tone-deaf and dismissive of the hardships many thousands endured. While the policies were credited with limiting the virus's spread, their social and personal costs remain a controversial aspect of Ardern's pandemic leadership.

File:Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern’s Address at Singapore FinTech Festival.png

In early December 2020, Ardern expressed support for Australia during a dispute between Canberra and Beijing over Chinese Foreign Ministry official Zhao Lijian's Twitter post alleging that Australia had committed war crimes against Afghans. She described the image as not being factual and incorrect, adding that the New Zealand Government would raise its concerns with the Chinese Government.{{cite news |last1=Perry |first1=Nick |title=New Zealand joins Australia in denouncing China's tweet |url=https://apnews.com/article/australia-coronavirus-pandemic-new-zealand-china-scott-morrison-ee522bded9f610d0e16137fd06e61745 |access-date=2 December 2020 |work=Associated Press News |date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201100519/https://apnews.com/article/australia-coronavirus-pandemic-new-zealand-china-scott-morrison-ee522bded9f610d0e16137fd06e61745 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Jane |title=New Zealand registers concern with China over official's 'unfactual' tweet |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/431856/new-zealand-registers-concern-with-china-over-official-s-unfactual-tweet |access-date=1 December 2020 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201110146/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/431856/new-zealand-registers-concern-with-china-over-official-s-unfactual-tweet |archive-date=1 December 2020 |url-status=live}}

On 9 December 2020, Ardern delivered a speech virtually 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 the regulatory alignment to facilitate businesses.{{Cite news |last=Ng |first=Qi Siang |url=https://www.theedgesingapore.com/news/sff-x-switch-2020/jacinda-ardern-digital-economy-about-people-too |title=For Jacinda Ardern, the digital economy is about people too |access-date=13 December 2020 |work=The Edge |date=9 December 2020 |archive-date=9 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209074537/https://www.theedgesingapore.com/news/sff-x-switch-2020/jacinda-ardern-digital-economy-about-people-too |url-status=live}}

On 16 February 2021, Ardern criticised the Australian Government's decision to revoke dual New Zealand–Australian national Suhayra Aden's Australian citizenship. Aden had migrated from New Zealand to Australia at the age of six and acquired Australian citizenship. She subsequently travelled to Syria to live in the Islamic State as a ISIS bride in 2014. On 15 February 2021, Aden and two of her children were detained by Turkish authorities for illegal entry. Ardern accused the Australian Government of abandoning its obligations to its citizens and also offered consular support to Aden and her children. In response, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defended the decision to revoke Aden's citizenship, citing legislation stripping dual nationals of their Australian citizenship if they were engaged in terrorist activities.{{cite news |last1=Welch |first1=Dylan |last2=Dredge |first2=Suzanne |last3=Dziedzic |first3=Stephen |title=New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern criticises Australia for stripping dual national terror suspect's citizenship |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-16/jacinda-ardern-australia-stripping-dual-national-turkey-terror/13159300 |access-date=16 February 2021 |work=ABC News |date=16 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216020937/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-16/jacinda-ardern-australia-stripping-dual-national-turkey-terror/13159300 |archive-date=16 February 2021 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=Jacinda Ardern delivers extraordinary broadside at Australia over woman detained in Turkey – 'Abdicated its responsibilities' |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/jacinda-ardern-delivers-extraordinary-broadside-australia-over-woman-detained-in-turkey-abdicated-its-responsibilities?auto=6232517011001 |access-date=16 February 2021 |work=1News |date=16 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216102800/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/jacinda-ardern-delivers-extraordinary-broadside-australia-over-woman-detained-in-turkey-abdicated-its-responsibilities?auto=6232517011001 |archive-date=16 February 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Ardern condemns Australia for revoking ISIL suspect's citizenship |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/16/ardern-slams-australia-for-revoking-isil-suspects-citizenship |access-date=16 February 2021 |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=16 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216041226/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/16/ardern-slams-australia-for-revoking-isil-suspects-citizenship |archive-date=16 February 2021 |url-status=live}} Following a phone conversation, the two leaders agreed to work together to address what Ardern described as "quite a complex legal situation".{{cite news |last1=Manch |first1=Thomas |title=Jacinda Ardern, Scott Morrison agree to work in 'spirit of our relationship' over alleged Isis terrorist |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/124268610/jacinda-ardern-scott-morrison-agree-to-work-in-spirit-of-our-relationship-over-alleged-isis-terrorist |access-date=17 February 2021 |work=Stuff |date=17 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216200502/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/124268610/jacinda-ardern-scott-morrison-agree-to-work-in-spirit-of-our-relationship-over-alleged-isis-terrorist |archive-date=16 February 2021 |url-status=live}}

In response to the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, Ardern stated on 17 May 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."{{cite news |title='I despair at what's happening' — Ardern condemns both Israel and Hamas over deadly violence in Gaza |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/world/despair-s-happening-ardern-condemns-both-israel-and-hamas-over-deadly-violence-in-gaza |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=1News |date=17 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516201153/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/world/despair-s-happening-ardern-condemns-both-israel-and-hamas-over-deadly-violence-in-gaza |archive-date=16 May 2021 |url-status=dead}}

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 the issues of COVID-19, bilateral relations, and security issues in the Indo-Pacific. Ardern and Morrison also raised concerns about the South China Sea dispute and human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.{{cite news |last1=McClure |first1=Tess |title=Jacinda Ardern hosts Scott Morrison in New Zealand for talks with post-Covid 'rulebook' on agenda |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/30/jacinda-ardern-hosts-scott-morrison-for-new-zealand-talks |access-date=3 June 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=30 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602223157/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/30/jacinda-ardern-hosts-scott-morrison-for-new-zealand-talks |archive-date=2 June 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Ardern |first1=Jacinda |title=Joint statement: Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Scott Morrison |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/joint-statement-prime-ministers-jacinda-ardern-and-scott-morrison |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602011558/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/joint-statement-prime-ministers-jacinda-ardern-and-scott-morrison |archive-date=2 June 2021 |date=31 May 2021 |url-status=live}} In response to the joint statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin criticised the Australian and New Zealand governments for interfering in Chinese domestic affairs.{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=China slams 'gross interference' from Jacinda Ardern and Scott Morrison's joint statement on Hong Kong and Xinjiang |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300322188/china-slams-gross-interference-from-jacinda-ardern-and-scott-morrisons-joint-statement-on-hong-kong-and-xinjiang |access-date=3 June 2021 |work=Stuff |date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601030520/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300322188/china-slams-gross-interference-from-jacinda-ardern-and-scott-morrisons-joint-statement-on-hong-kong-and-xinjiang |archive-date=1 June 2021 |url-status=live}}

In early December 2021, Ardern participated in the virtual Summit for Democracy that was hosted by US President Joe Biden. In her address, she talked about bolstering democratic resilience in the age of COVID-19 followed by panel discussions. Ardern also announced that New Zealand would contribute an additional NZ$1 million to supporting Pacific countries' anti-corruption efforts, as well as contributing to UNESCO's Global Media Defence Fund and the International Fund for Public Interest Media.{{cite web |last1=Ardern |first1=Jacinda |title=NZ attends US President's Democracy Summit |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-attends-us-president%E2%80%99s-democracy-summit |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=Ministry of Health |access-date=11 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211114036/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-attends-us-president%E2%80%99s-democracy-summit |archive-date=11 December 2021 |date=10 December 2021 |url-status=live}}

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.{{cite news |title=Russia bans Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern from entering country |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/464878/russia-bans-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-from-entering-country |access-date=8 April 2022 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503033425/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/464878/russia-bans-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-from-entering-country |archive-date=3 May 2022 |url-status=live}}

File:P20220531AS-0492-2 (52245764500).jpg in the Oval Office on 31 May 2022.]]

In late May 2022, Ardern led a trade and tourism mission to the United States. During her trip, she urged the Biden Administration to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP); the successor to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement which the previous Trump Administration had abandoned in 2017.{{cite news |last1=Burns-Francis |first1=Anna |title=Jacinda Ardern busy promoting NZ on US visit |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/05/25/jacinda-ardern-busy-promoting-nz-on-us-visit/ |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525073242/https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/05/25/jacinda-ardern-busy-promoting-nz-on-us-visit/ |archive-date=25 May 2022}}{{cite news |title=New Zealand's Ardern urges US to return to regional trade pact |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/5/26/new-zealands-ardern-urges-us-to-return-to-regional-trade-pact |access-date=27 May 2022 |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=26 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526070551/https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/5/26/new-zealands-ardern-urges-us-to-return-to-regional-trade-pact |archive-date=26 May 2022 |url-status=live}} While attending the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Ardern also condemned the Robb Elementary School shooting and advocated stronger gun control measures, citing New Zealand's ban on semi-automatic firearms following the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings.{{cite news |last1=McClure |first1=Tess |title=New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern responds to Texas school shooting |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/may/25/we-saw-something-that-wasnt-right-and-we-acted-ardern-on-how-new-zealand-delivered-gun-control |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526142518/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/may/25/we-saw-something-that-wasnt-right-and-we-acted-ardern-on-how-new-zealand-delivered-gun-control |archive-date=26 May 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Malpass |first1=Luke |last2=Jack |first2=Amberleigh |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern responds to Texas school shooting on Late Show with Stephen Colbert |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/128754532/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-responds-to-texas-school-shooting-on-late-show-with-stephen-colbert |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=Stuff |date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526134704/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/128754532/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-responds-to-texas-school-shooting-on-late-show-with-stephen-colbert |archive-date=26 May 2022 |url-status=live}} On 27 May, Ardern gave the annual commencement address at Harvard University, speaking about gun reform and democracy. She was also awarded an honorary doctorate in law.{{cite news |title=New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern addresses Harvard on gun control and democracy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/27/jacinda-ardern-wows-harvard-with-new-zealands-lesson-on-gun-control-and-democracy |access-date=5 June 2022 |work=The Guardian |agency=Australian Associated Press |date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531074113/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/27/jacinda-ardern-wows-harvard-with-new-zealands-lesson-on-gun-control-and-democracy |archive-date=31 May 2022 |url-status=live}} On 28 May, Ardern signed a memorandum of understanding with Governor of California Gavin Newsom formalising bilateral cooperation between New Zealand and California in climate change mitigation and research.{{cite news |title=New Zealand signs partnership with California on climate change |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/468039/new-zealand-signs-partnership-with-california-on-climate-change |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=28 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528052231/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/468039/new-zealand-signs-partnership-with-california-on-climate-change |archive-date=28 May 2022 |url-status=live}}

On 1 June 2022, Ardern met with US President Joe Biden and Vice-president Kamala Harris to reaffirm bilateral relations between the two countries. The two leaders also issued a joint statement reaffirming bilateral cooperation on various issues including the South China Sea dispute, support for Ukraine in response to the Russian invasion, Chinese tensions with Taiwan, and alleged human-rights violations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.{{cite web |title=United States – Aotearoa New Zealand Joint Statement |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/31/united-states-aotearoa-new-zealand-joint-statement/ |publisher=The White House |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602110347/https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/31/united-states-aotearoa-new-zealand-joint-statement/ |archive-date=2 June 2022 |date=31 May 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Malpass |first1=Luke |title=Joe Biden meeting has strengthened NZ's relationship with US, Jacinda Ardern says |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/128821537/joe-biden-meeting-has-strengthened-nzs-relationship-with-us-jacinda-ardern-says |access-date=2 June 2022 |work=Stuff |date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531223709/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/128821537/joe-biden-meeting-has-strengthened-nzs-relationship-with-us-jacinda-ardern-says |archive-date=31 May 2022 |url-status=live}} In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry official Zhao Lijian accused New Zealand and the United States of seeking to spread disinformation about China's engagement with Pacific Islands countries, interfering in Chinese internal affairs, and urged New Zealand to adhere to its stated "independent foreign policy".{{cite web |title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on June 1, 2022 |url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202206/t20220601_10697636.html |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602111950/https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202206/t20220601_10697636.html |archive-date=2 June 2022 |date=1 June 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Manch |first1=Thomas |last2=Morrison |first2=Tina |title=China heavily criticises New Zealand for 'ulterior motives' after Biden meeting |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/128843738/china-heavily-criticises-new-zealand-for-ulterior-motives-after-biden-meeting |access-date=2 June 2022 |work=Stuff |date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602111408/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/128843738/china-heavily-criticises-new-zealand-for-ulterior-motives-after-biden-meeting |archive-date=2 June 2022 |url-status=live}}

On 10 June 2022, Ardern visited the newly elected Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The two leaders discussed a range of issues including Australia's controversial Section 501 deportation policy, Chinese influence in the Pacific region, climate change, and working with Pacific neighbours. In response to Ardern's concerns, Albanese stated that he would explore ways of addressing New Zealand's concerns about the adverse impact of its deportation policies on New Zealanders residing in Australia.{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Toby |last2=Burrows |first2=Ian |title=Anthony Albanese says New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's concerns around deportations need to be considered |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-10/anthony-albanese-jacinda-ardern-australia-deportation-policy/101141626 |access-date=10 June 2022 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=10 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610111550/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-10/anthony-albanese-jacinda-ardern-australia-deportation-policy/101141626 |archive-date=10 June 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=Ardern, Albanese to take trans-Tasman relationship 'to a new level' |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/06/10/ardern-albanese-to-take-trans-tasman-relationship-to-a-new-level/ |access-date=10 June 2022 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=10 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610111911/https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/06/10/ardern-albanese-to-take-trans-tasman-relationship-to-a-new-level/ |archive-date=10 June 2022 |url-status=live}}

File:Fumio Kishida poses a photo with NATO+AP4 members during the 2022 Madrid Summit (1).jpg, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Ardern, and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at the Madrid NATO summit, 29 June 2022]]

In late June 2022, Ardern attended the NATO's Leader Summit, which marked the first time that New Zealand had formally addressed a NATO event. During her speech, she emphasised New Zealand's commitment to peace and human rights. Ardern also criticised China for challenging international norms and rules in the South Pacific. She also alleged that Russia was conducting a disinformation campaign targeting New Zealand due to its support for Ukraine.{{cite news |last1=McClure |first1=Tess |title=West must stand firm as China challenges 'rules and norms', Ardern tells Nato |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/30/west-must-stand-firm-as-china-challenges-rules-and-norms-ardern-tells-nato |access-date=1 July 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630184127/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/30/west-must-stand-firm-as-china-challenges-rules-and-norms-ardern-tells-nato |archive-date=30 June 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Glenn |title=Jacinda Ardern calls for nuclear disarmament, criticises China over human rights during Nato speech |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300625460/jacinda-ardern-calls-for-nuclear-disarmament-criticises-china-over-human-rights-during-nato-speech |access-date=1 July 2022 |work=Stuff |date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630175609/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300625460/jacinda-ardern-calls-for-nuclear-disarmament-criticises-china-over-human-rights-during-nato-speech |archive-date=30 June 2022 |url-status=live}} In response, the Chinese Embassy defended China's engagement with the South Pacific region, claiming that China was only interested in promoting regional development and did not seek to militarise the region.{{cite web |title=Statement by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand on New Zealand's Comments to NATO Session |url=http://nz.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zxgxs/202206/t20220630_10712661.html |publisher=Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand |access-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701050951/http://nz.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zxgxs/202206/t20220630_10712661.html |archive-date=1 July 2022 |date=1 July 2022 |url-status=live}}

On 30 June 2022, Ardern spoke by telephone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Though Zelensky had earlier invited Ardern to visit Ukraine during her European trade mission, Ardern had declined due to scheduling issues. During the conversation, Ardern reassured Zelensky that New Zealand would continue imposing sanctions on Russia. Zelensky also thanked New Zealand for providing aid to Ukraine and called for assistance in rebuilding Ukraine.{{cite news |last1=Scotcher |first1=Katie |title=Ardern speaks to Zelensky, reiterates support and continued sanctions |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/470111/ardern-speaks-to-zelensky-reiterates-support-and-continued-sanctions |access-date=6 July 2022 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701215448/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/470111/ardern-speaks-to-zelensky-reiterates-support-and-continued-sanctions |archive-date=1 July 2022}}

In early August 2022, Ardern led a delegation of New Zealand political leaders, officials, civil society leaders, and journalists including National Party and opposition leader Christopher Luxon, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Carmel Sepuloni and Pacific Peoples Minister William Sio on a state visit to Samoa to marked the 60th anniversary of Samoa's independence. This visit preceded an earlier visit to New Zealand in June 2022 by Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.{{cite news |title=After 865 days, Samoa reopens to tourists |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/07/31/after-865-days-samoa-reopens-to-tourists/ |access-date=2 August 2022 |work=1News |agency=Australian Associated Press |publisher=TVNZ |date=31 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731081404/https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/07/31/after-865-days-samoa-reopens-to-tourists/ |archive-date=31 July 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Ardern, Luxon and ministers to visit Samoa for treaty anniversary |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/471760/ardern-luxon-and-ministers-to-visit-samoa-for-treaty-anniversary |access-date=2 August 2022 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=28 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728015228/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/471760/ardern-luxon-and-ministers-to-visit-samoa-for-treaty-anniversary |archive-date=28 July 2022 |url-status=live}} On 2 August, Ardern met with Fiame to discuss issues of concern to bilateral relations including climate change, economic resilience, COVID-19, health and Samoan seasonal workers in New Zealand. Ardern also confirmed that New Zealand would commit NZ$15 million in aid to support Samoa's climate change mitigation efforts and NZ$12m to rebuild Apia's historical Savalalo Market.{{cite news |last1=Dexter |first1=Giles |title=PM announces $15m to support Samoa with climate change priorities |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/472037/pm-announces-15m-to-support-samoa-with-climate-change-priorities |access-date=2 August 2022 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=2 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802034947/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/472037/pm-announces-15m-to-support-samoa-with-climate-change-priorities |archive-date=2 August 2022 |url-status=live}}

In September 2022, 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.{{cite news |last1=Tran |first1=Cindy |title=Hidden meaning behind New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's outfit at Queen's funeral |url=https://7news.com.au/entertainment/queen-elizabeth-ii/hidden-meaning-behind-new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-arderns-outfit-at-queens-funeral--c-8295873 |access-date=13 November 2022 |work=Seven News |date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921081148/https://7news.com.au/entertainment/queen-elizabeth-ii/hidden-meaning-behind-new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-arderns-outfit-at-queens-funeral--c-8295873 |archive-date=21 September 2022 |url-status=live}}

In late October 2022, Ardern and Gayford visited New Zealand's Antarctica base Scott Base to mark the research base's 65th anniversary. The Government had already committed NZ$344 million to the redevelopment of Scott base. After Ardern's C-130 Hercules aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force broke down, she and her entourage returned to Christchurch on an Italian C-130 Hercules aircraft.{{cite news |last1=Witton |first1=Bridie |title=Jacinda Ardern: New Zealand's presence in Antarctica at 'critical juncture' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/477489/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-s-presence-in-antarctica-at-critical-juncture |access-date=13 November 2022 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=27 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108100552/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/477489/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-s-presence-in-antarctica-at-critical-juncture |archive-date=8 November 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Gibbens |first1=Krystal |title=Jacinda Ardern's plane breaks down in Antarctica |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/477619/jacinda-ardern-s-plane-breaks-down-in-antarctica |access-date=13 November 2022 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=29 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112022509/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/477619/jacinda-ardern-s-plane-breaks-down-in-antarctica |archive-date=12 November 2022 |url-status=live}}

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.{{cite news |last1=Beckford |first1=Gyles |title=Myanmar govt's executions 'a stain on region' – Jacinda Ardern |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/478650/myanmar-govt-s-executions-a-stain-on-region-jacinda-ardern |access-date=13 November 2022 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113050243/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/478650/myanmar-govt-s-executions-a-stain-on-region-jacinda-ardern |archive-date=13 November 2022 |url-status=live}} During the East Asia Summit, she met with US President Biden to discuss New Zealand milk company A2 Milk's efforts to supply infant formula to help address the infant formula milk shortage in the United States.{{cite news |last1=Trevett |first1=Claire |title=Jacinda Ardern in Cambodia: Catch-up with Joe Biden at East Asia Summit and a trade upgrade |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/jacinda-ardern-in-cambodia-catch-up-with-joe-biden-at-east-asia-summit-and-a-trade-upgrade/H5QKNFGTWNDLRO6Z55FV5O72W4/ |access-date=13 November 2022 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113074454/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/jacinda-ardern-in-cambodia-catch-up-with-joe-biden-at-east-asia-summit-and-a-trade-upgrade/H5QKNFGTWNDLRO6Z55FV5O72W4/ |archive-date=13 November 2022}}

File:Prime Minister Marin in New Zealand 30.11.2022 (52531869212).jpg with Ardern, November 2022]]

On 30 November, Ardern hosted Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, which marked the first visit by a Finnish head of government to New Zealand. During her visit, the two leaders discussed bilateral trade relations, the global economic situation, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and human rights in Iran.{{cite news |title=Jacinda Ardern and Sanna Marin dismiss claim they met due to 'similar age' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-63803342 |access-date=3 December 2022 |work=BBC News |date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202064720/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-63803342 |archive-date=2 December 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Glenn |title=Finnish PM Sanna Marin wants to go 'next level' with New Zealand, as she rallies against autocrats |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300753158/finnish-pm-sanna-marin-wants-to-go-next-level-with-new-zealand-as-she-rallies-against-autocrats |access-date=3 December 2022 |work=Stuff |date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201043933/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300753158/finnish-pm-sanna-marin-wants-to-go-next-level-with-new-zealand-as-she-rallies-against-autocrats |archive-date=1 December 2022 |url-status=live}} During the ensuing press conference, Ardern rebuffed a suggestion by a journalist that the two heads of government had met because they were of a similar age and gender.{{cite news |last1=Witton |first1=Bridie |title=The not-so-subtle sexism that followed Finland's Sanna Marin from Helsinki to Auckland |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/130623392/the-notsosubtle-sexism-that-followed-finlands-sanna-marin-from-helsinki-to-auckland |access-date=3 December 2022 |work=Stuff |date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202052233/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/130623392/the-notsosubtle-sexism-that-followed-finlands-sanna-marin-from-helsinki-to-auckland |archive-date=2 December 2022 |url-status=live}}

{{Main|Resignation of Jacinda Ardern}}

On 19 January 2023, at the Labour Party's summer caucus retreat, 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 partner and daughter and an inability to commit to another four years. Ardern had indicated in November 2022 that she would seek a third term as prime minister.{{cite news |last1=McClure |first1=Tess |title=Jacinda Ardern rallies party faithful as Labour faces difficult re-election path |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/07/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-labour-party-conference-2023-election |access-date=13 November 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112085341/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/07/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-labour-party-conference-2023-election |archive-date=12 November 2022 |url-status=live}}

Speaking to the press during the caucus retreat as she announced her resignation plan, Ardern said, "I know what this job takes and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It is that simple. We need a fresh set of shoulders for that challenge."{{Cite news |title=Jacinda Ardern to step down as New Zealand's prime minister |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/19/jacinda-ardern-to-step-down-as-new-zealands-prime-minister |access-date=19 January 2023 |publisher=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215173704/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/19/jacinda-ardern-to-step-down-as-new-zealands-prime-minister |url-status=live }} While this has been described as "burnout" (occupational fatigue), Ardern said in an interview in 2025 that it was not burnout as such, which "is very different from making a judgment in yourself as to whether or not you're operating at the level you need to be".{{cite interview|last=Ardern|first=Jacinda|interviewer=Katharine Viner | title='Empathy is a kind of strength': Jacinda Ardern on kind leadership, public rage and life in Trump's America | newspaper=The Guardian | date=31 May 2025 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/may/31/jacinda-ardern-kind-leadership-public-rage-life-trump-america}}

Ardern's announcement prompted reactions from across the New Zealand political establishment. The opposition National and ACT parties' leaders Christopher Luxon and David Seymour thanked Ardern for her service while expressing disagreement with her government's policies. Green Party co-leader James Shaw credited Ardern with fostering a constructive working relationship between their parties while fellow co-leader Marama Davidson praised Ardern for her compassion and determination to promote a "fairer and safer" Aotearoa. Similar sentiments were echoed by the Māori Party's co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, who praised her leadership qualities and contributions to New Zealand society.{{cite news |title=Political rivals react to Ardern's shock resignation |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/19/political-rivals-react-to-arderns-shock-resignation/ |access-date=19 January 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=19 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119090106/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/19/political-rivals-react-to-arderns-shock-resignation/|archive-date=19 January 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Jacinda Ardern quits: Prime Minister 'driven from politics' due to 'constant personalisation and vilification' – Te Pāti Māori |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/jacinda-ardern-quits-as-prime-minister-nationals-christopher-luxons-message-of-thanks/VAYGCLROC5BDTL2SAPW6JLPUSM/ |access-date=19 January 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=19 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119090852/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/jacinda-ardern-quits-as-prime-minister-nationals-christopher-luxons-message-of-thanks/VAYGCLROC5BDTL2SAPW6JLPUSM/ |archive-date=19 January 2023}} New Zealand First leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters attributed Ardern's resignation to her government's failure to deliver on promises and targets during the 2020–2023 parliamentary term.

Prominent New Zealanders, including actor Sam Neill, comedian and writer Michèle A'Court, and Internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom, expressed gratitude for Ardern's service. Overseas, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and several state leaders paid tribute to Ardern.{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/482732/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-resigns-politicians-and-new-zealanders-pay-tribute |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern resigns: Politicians and New Zealanders pay tribute |website=Radio New Zealand |date=19 January 2023 |access-date=19 January 2023 |archive-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703103702/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/482732/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-resigns-politicians-and-new-zealanders-pay-tribute |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/01/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-resigns-the-world-reacts.html |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern resigns: The world reacts |work=Newshub |access-date=19 January 2023 |archive-date=19 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119035537/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/01/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-resigns-the-world-reacts.html |url-status=dead }}

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

Ardern's final event as prime minister was a birthday celebration for Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana, a Māori prophet. At the event, Ardern called her work as prime minister the "greatest privilege" and said that she loved the country and its people.{{Cite web |date=24 January 2023 |title=Leading New Zealand was 'greatest privilege', says Jacinda Ardern at final event |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/24/jacinda-ardern-leading-new-zealand-greatest-privilege-farewell-event |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703104203/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/24/jacinda-ardern-leading-new-zealand-greatest-privilege-farewell-event |url-status=live }} On 25 January 2023, she was succeeded as prime minister and leader of the New Zealand Labour Party by Chris Hipkins, who had been elected unopposed during the Labour Party leadership election.{{cite news |title=Chris Hipkins sworn in as prime minister |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/483045/chris-hipkins-sworn-in-as-prime-minister |access-date=25 January 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=25 January 2023 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124233324/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/483045/chris-hipkins-sworn-in-as-prime-minister |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Whyte |first=Luke Malpass and Anna |date=20 January 2023 |title=Chris Hipkins set to become New Zealand's next prime minister |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131030037/chris-hipkins-set-to-become-new-zealands-next-prime-minister |access-date=23 January 2023 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121013532/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131030037/chris-hipkins-set-to-become-new-zealands-next-prime-minister |url-status=live }}

File:Jacinda Ardern 2025.jpg

On 4 April 2023, Ardern was announced as a trustee of the Earthshot Prize.{{Cite web |last=tom_tep |date=4 April 2023 |title=Jacinda Ardern joins The Earthshot Prize as a Trustee |url=https://earthshotprize.org/jacinda-ardern-joins-the-earthshot-prize-as-trustee/ |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=The Earthshot Prize |language=en-US |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404100413/https://earthshotprize.org/jacinda-ardern-joins-the-earthshot-prize-as-trustee/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Wood|first=Patrick|date=6 April 2023|title=New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern takes on a new role after leaving politics this week|url=https://www.npr.org/2023/04/06/1168384889/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-prince-william-earthshot-prize|work=NPR|location=|access-date=6 March 2023|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406193635/https://www.npr.org/2023/04/06/1168384889/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-prince-william-earthshot-prize|url-status=live}} Ardern was selected for the post by Prince William, who stated that Ardern had a life-long commitment to supporting sustainable and environmental solutions. According to the Prince, Ardern was one of the first people to encourage him to establish the prize.{{Cite news |last=Adams |first=Charley |date=4 April 2023 |title=Jacinda Ardern appointed trustee of Prince William's Earthshot Prize |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65180096 |access-date=5 April 2023 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404235941/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65180096 |url-status=live }}

That same day, Prime Minister Hipkins appointed Ardern as Special Envoy for the Christchurch Call, which she had established following the Christchurch mosque shootings to combat online extremist content.{{cite news |title=Former PM Jacinda Ardern appointed as Christchurch Call Envoy |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/487340/former-pm-jacinda-ardern-appointed-as-christchurch-call-envoy |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407100926/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/487340/former-pm-jacinda-ardern-appointed-as-christchurch-call-envoy |archive-date=7 April 2023|url-status=live}} During her valedictory speech, Ardern called on political leaders and parties in New Zealand to take the politics out of climate change while highlighting her role in getting cross-party support for the passage of the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act.{{cite news |last1=Neilson |first1=Michael |last2=Franks |first2=Raphael |title=Jacinda Ardern says leaders can be 'anxious, sensitive, kind and wear your heart on your sleeve' in farewell valedictory address |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/jacinda-arderns-valedictory-speech-chris-hipkins-not-ruling-out-giving-her-a-damehood/YGX3CCHKYZB6RIMIM5T4Q4VRDI/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407030819/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/jacinda-arderns-valedictory-speech-chris-hipkins-not-ruling-out-giving-her-a-damehood/YGX3CCHKYZB6RIMIM5T4Q4VRDI/ |archive-date=7 April 2023|url-status=live}}

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, where she intends to share and learn leadership and governance skills. She will also work with Harvard's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society as its first Knight Tech Governance Leadership Fellow during that period where she will focus on the study of online extremism.{{cite news |last=LeBlanc |first=Steve |date=25 April 2023 |title=Ex-New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to join Harvard |url=https://apnews.com/article/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-harvard-university-d9d82f742e79815e91687bd54213bd53 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=26 April 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110185621/https://apnews.com/article/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-harvard-university-d9d82f742e79815e91687bd54213bd53 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=McClure |first=Tess |date=25 April 2023 |title=Jacinda Ardern takes up leadership and online extremism roles at Harvard |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/26/jacinda-ardern-takes-up-leadership-and-online-extremism-roles-at-harvard |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=26 April 2023 |archive-date=20 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020112238/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/26/jacinda-ardern-takes-up-leadership-and-online-extremism-roles-at-harvard |url-status=live }}

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".{{cite news |last1=Gabel |first1=Julia |title=Dame Jacinda Ardern to lead new programme designed to 'challenge and change' the status quo of politics |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/dame-jacinda-ardern-to-lead-new-programme-designed-to-challenge-and-change-the-status-quo-of-politics/EBSYGUXIXVHYBIP3GGTZRZMEUE/ |access-date=11 August 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=17 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623105335/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/dame-jacinda-ardern-to-lead-new-programme-designed-to-challenge-and-change-the-status-quo-of-politics/EBSYGUXIXVHYBIP3GGTZRZMEUE/ |archive-date=23 June 2024|url-status=live}}

On 21 August 2024, Ardern endorsed US Vice President Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign.{{cite news |last1=Church |first1=Logan |title=Jacindamania in Chicago as ex-PM backs Kamala Harris |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/08/21/jacindamania-in-chicago-as-ex-pm-backs-kamala-harris/ |access-date=14 September 2024 |work=1News |date=21 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911160825/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/08/21/jacindamania-in-chicago-as-ex-pm-backs-kamala-harris/ |archive-date=11 September 2024|url-status=live}} Ardern also spoke at the Global Progress Action Luncheon during the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where she likened Harris' campaign to Labour's campaign during the 2017 New Zealand general election. She also talked about women in politics and positive campaigning.{{cite web |last1=MacManus |first1=Joel |title=Eight key quotes from Jacinda Ardern at the Democratic National Convention |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/21-08-2024/eight-key-quotes-from-jacinda-ardern-at-the-democratic-national-convention |publisher=The Spinoff |access-date=14 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903191005/https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/21-08-2024/eight-key-quotes-from-jacinda-ardern-at-the-democratic-national-convention |archive-date=3 September 2024 |date=21 August 2024 |url-status=live}}

A documentary on Ardern's time as prime minister, titled Prime Minister, was produced between 2017 and 2024 by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz. Featuring home video filmed by Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford in which Ardern described herself as a "reluctant participant," the documentary premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.{{cite web |last=James |first=Caryn |date=24 January 2025 |title='Prime Minister' Review: Documentary About New Zealand's Galvanizing Former Leader Offers an Intimate Look at a Woman in Power |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/prime-minister-review-jacinda-ardern-documentary-1236114959/ |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |date=26 January 2025 |title=Sundance: Jacinda Ardern On Her Docu 'Prime Minister', Feminism, Semi-Automatic Weapons Ban, Covid Border Closing & Women's Rights Including Abortion In Kiwi Country |url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/jacinda-ardern-on-her-docu-prime-minister-new-zealand-feminism-semi-automatic-weapons-ban-covid-womens-rights-abortion-in-kiwi-country-1236268623/ |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=Deadline}}

On 21 January 2025, Crown Publishing Group announced that Ardern's memoir, titled A Different Kind of Power, would be released on 3 June.{{cite web |last1=Hillel |first1=Italie |date=22 January 2025 |title=Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has memoir coming out in June |url=https://apnews.com/article/jacinda-ardern-memoir-new-zealand-prime-minister-d0f1489def7bdb001ec9bf5d63a92f35 |access-date=22 January 2025 |publisher=Associated Press}} Ardern, who has been living in the United States for the past two years, chose not to tour in or near New Zealand to promote her memoir where public sentiment toward her remains negative.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=N2f9OeuVKsVe00nZ&v=EdnJw99Phpo&feature=youtu.be |title=Popularity and pain: How the tide turned against Jacinda Ardern|publisher=Stuff.co.nz |date=2025-04-01 |access-date=2025-05-21 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Gavin |date=2023-02-03 |title=Loved Abroad, but Divisive at Home: The Controversial Legacy of Jacinda Ardern |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/loved-abroad-but-divisive-at-home-the-controversial-legacy-of-jacinda-ardern/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=VICE |language=en-US}} Ardern instead 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.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=cnxu0cDwJS1696Do&v=RvDF-N2LLvw&feature=youtu.be |title=The world is a 'dumpster fire' Dame Jacinda Ardern tells Yale graduates {{!}} Stuff.co.nz |date=2025-05-19 |last=Stuff |access-date=2025-05-21 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |title=Pan signs Jacinda Ardern's memoir and children's book |url=https://www.thebookseller.com/rights/pan-signs-jacinda-arderns-memoir-and-childrens-book |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=The Bookseller |language=En}}

Oxford University announced that during the annual Encaenia ceremony on 25 June 2025 Jacinda Ardern would be awarded an honorary degree (conferred as a mark of distinction, without requiring study or examination) of Civil Law.{{Cite news|date=2025-04-23 |title=Honorary degree recipients for 2025 announced|publisher=University of Oxford |url=https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-04-23-honorary-degree-recipients-2025-announced}}{{Cite web |publisher=The Oxford Student|date=2025-03-25 |title=Former NZ PM Jacinda Ardern to receive honorary Oxford degree |url=https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2025/03/25/former-nz-pm-jacinda-ardern-to-receive-honorary-oxford-degree/}}

File:Safeguarding Our Planet at the Annual Meeting 2019 (45933058755).jpg in Davos, 22 January 2019]]

Ardern has described herself as a social democrat, a progressive, a republican,{{cite news |last1=Lagan |first1=Bernard |title=Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's contender for PM, says: let's lose the Queen |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/australasia/article/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-s-contender-for-pm-says-let-s-lose-the-queen-vszx3q88c |work=The Times |access-date=8 September 2017 |date=7 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908023157/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-s-contender-for-pm-says-let-s-lose-the-queen-vszx3q88c |archive-date=8 September 2017 |url-status=live}} and a feminist,{{cite web |last1=Ardern |first1=Jacinda |title=Jacinda Ardern: I am a feminist |url=https://www.villainesse.com/girl-power/jacinda-ardern-i-am-feminist |work=Villainesse |access-date=15 August 2017 |date=20 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816061327/https://www.villainesse.com/girl-power/jacinda-ardern-i-am-feminist |archive-date=16 August 2017}} citing Helen Clark as a political hero.{{cite news |title=Ardern confirmed as new Labour leader |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/politics/ardern-confirmed-new-labour-leader |access-date=15 August 2017 |work=Otago Daily Times |date=1 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816064355/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/politics/ardern-confirmed-new-labour-leader |archive-date=16 August 2017}} She has described the extent of child poverty and homelessness in New Zealand as a "blatant failure" of capitalism.{{cite news |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/10/homelessness-proves-capitalism-is-a-blatant-failure-jacinda-ardern.html |title=Homelessness proves capitalism is a 'blatant failure' – Jacinda Ardern |work=Newshub |last1=Satherley |first1=Dan |last2=Owen |first2=Lisa |date=21 October 2017 |access-date=24 October 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024095816/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/10/homelessness-proves-capitalism-is-a-blatant-failure-jacinda-ardern.html |archive-date=24 October 2017 |quote=Asked directly if capitalism had failed low-income Kiwis, Ms. Ardern was unequivocal."If you have hundreds of thousands of children living in homes without enough to survive, that's a blatant failure. What else could you describe it as? . . . . It all comes down to whether or not you recognize where the market has failed and where intervention is required. Has it failed our people in recent times? Yes.}}{{cite news |last=Baynes |first=Chris |date=1 April 2019 |title=New Zealand's new prime minister calls capitalism a 'blatant failure' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/new-zealand-new-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-capitalism-blatant-failure-a8012656.html |work=The Independent |access-date=20 October 2020 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308053459/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/new-zealand-new-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-capitalism-blatant-failure-a8012656.html |url-status=live}} Asked by reporters to comment on the 2021 Budget, Ardern stated to "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.{{cite news |title=Watch: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says Budget 2021 is 'a real milestone for us' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/443047/watch-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-says-budget-2021-is-a-real-milestone-for-us |work=Radio New Zealand |date=21 May 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=7 September 2021 |archive-date=7 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907113917/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/443047/watch-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-says-budget-2021-is-a-real-milestone-for-us}} The American socialist magazine Jacobin asserts that, despite identifying as socialist, her government was effectively neoliberal.{{Cite news |title=The New Zealand "Socialists" Who Govern Like Neoliberals |url=https://jacobin.com/2021/05/new-zealand-labour-party-socialists-jacinda-ardern |access-date=17 July 2022 |website=jacobin.com |language=en-US |archive-date=13 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213121116/https://jacobin.com/2021/05/new-zealand-labour-party-socialists-jacinda-ardern |url-status=live }} Referring to New Zealand's distinctive nuclear-free policy, she described taking action on climate change as "my generation's nuclear-free moment".{{cite news |first=Claire |last=Trevett |title=Jacinda Ardern's rallying cry: Climate change the nuclear-free moment of her generation |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11907789 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=20 August 2017 |access-date=12 November 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181119022339/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11907789 |archive-date=19 November 2018 |url-status=live}}

Ardern has spoken in support of same-sex marriage,{{cite news |title=Broadsides: Do you support same-sex marriage? |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10733819 |access-date=24 March 2020 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=22 June 2011 |language=en-NZ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222061332/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10733819 |archive-date=22 February 2017 |url-status=live}} and she voted for the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013 which legalised it.{{cite news |title=Marriage equality bill: How MPs voted |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/8566347/Marriage-equality-bill-How-MPs-voted |work=Waikato Times |date=18 April 2013 |access-date=3 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622193110/http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/8566347/Marriage-equality-bill-How-MPs-voted |archive-date=22 June 2018 |url-status=live}} In 2018, she became the first New Zealand prime minister to march in a pride parade.{{cite news |first=Eleanor |last=Ainge Roy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/19/jacinda-ardern-becomes-first-new-zealand-pm-to-take-part-in-gay-pride-parade |title=Jacinda Ardern becomes first New Zealand PM to march in gay pride parade |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=17 February 2018 |access-date=21 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221011948/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/19/jacinda-ardern-becomes-first-new-zealand-pm-to-take-part-in-gay-pride-parade |archive-date=21 February 2018 |url-status=live}} Ardern supported the removal of abortion from the Crimes Act 1961.{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Corazon |title=Labour leader Jacinda Ardern tackles 'smear campaign' on abortion stance |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11920894 |access-date=7 October 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=11 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008030308/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11920894 |archive-date=8 October 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=English, Little, Ardern on abortion laws |url=https://yournz.org/2017/03/13/english-little-ardern-on-abortion-laws/ |work=Your NZ |date=13 March 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811105001/https://yournz.org/2017/03/13/english-little-ardern-on-abortion-laws/ |archive-date=11 August 2017 |access-date=11 August 2017}} In March 2020, she voted for the Abortion Legislation Act that amends the law to decriminalise abortion.{{cite web |url=http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/parliament-removes-abortion-crimes-act |title=Parliament removes abortion from Crimes Act |website=The Beehive |language=en |access-date=23 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323045728/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/parliament-removes-abortion-crimes-act |archive-date=23 March 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Abortion Legislation Bill passes third and final reading in Parliament |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/412087/abortion-legislation-bill-passes-third-and-final-reading-in-parliament |publisher=Radio New Zealand |access-date=24 March 2020 |language=en-nz |date=18 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324023821/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/412087/abortion-legislation-bill-passes-third-and-final-reading-in-parliament |archive-date=24 March 2020 |url-status=live}}

Ardern voted in favour of legalising cannabis in the 2020 New Zealand cannabis referendum, though she refused to reveal her position on legalisation until after the referendum had concluded.{{cite news |author= |title=PM defends no comment stance on cannabis referendum |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/123261775/pm-defends-no-comment-stance-on-cannabis-referendum |work=Stuff |date=31 October 2020 |access-date=25 July 2021 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201101012733/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/123261775/pm-defends-no-comment-stance-on-cannabis-referendum | archive-date=1 November 2020 |url-status=live}}

With regard to the future of the Māori electorates—a contentious topic in New Zealand politics—Ardern believes the retention or abolition of the electorates (seats) should be decided by Māori, stating, "[Māori] have not raised the need for those seats to go, so why would we ask the question?"{{cite news |title=Labour's leadership duo talk tax, Maori prisons and who'll be deputy leader in a coalition |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/95481780/labours-leadership-duo-talk-tax-maori-prisons-and-wholl-be-deputy-leader-in-a-coalition |access-date=15 August 2017 |work=Stuff |date=5 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816062410/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/95481780/labours-leadership-duo-talk-tax-maori-prisons-and-wholl-be-deputy-leader-in-a-coalition |archive-date=16 August 2017 |url-status=live}} She supports compulsory study of the Māori language in schools.

In September 2017, Ardern said she wanted New Zealand to debate removing the monarch of New Zealand as head of state. During her announcement on 24 May 2021 of the appointment of Dame Cindy Kiro as the governor-general, Ardern said she believed that New Zealand would become a republic within her lifetime.{{cite news |title=Jacinda Ardern believes New Zealand will become a republic 'in her lifetime' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/jacinda-ardern-believes-new-zealand-will-become-a-republic-in-her-lifetime/362XBOZCWKWZMIVGFDMLNF2RZM/ |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=24 May 2021 |access-date=27 May 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524121323/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/jacinda-ardern-believes-new-zealand-will-become-a-republic-in-her-lifetime/362XBOZCWKWZMIVGFDMLNF2RZM/ |archive-date=24 May 2021}} She has, however, met regularly with members of the Royal Family over the years and said that, "My particular views do not change the respect that I have for Her Majesty and for her family and for the work that they've done for New Zealand. I think you can hold both views, and I do."{{Cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-meets-the-queen-in-warm-exchange/DYNSAZZDQBEHQYE5HSH25LUBRA/ |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern meets the Queen in 'warm' exchange |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=28 May 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625125443/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-meets-the-queen-in-warm-exchange/DYNSAZZDQBEHQYE5HSH25LUBRA/ |url-status=live}} Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Ardern reaffirmed her support for republicanism but stated that official moves towards New Zealand becoming a republic was not "on the agenda anytime soon."{{cite web |last=Brockett |first=Matthew |title=Ardern Expects New Zealand to Eventually Become a Republic |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-12/ardern-expects-new-zealand-to-eventually-become-a-republic |url-access=subscription|publisher=Bloomberg UK|date=12 September 2022 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107145455/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-12/ardern-expects-new-zealand-to-eventually-become-a-republic |url-status=live }}

Ardern in 2017 advocated a lower rate of immigration, suggesting a drop of around 20,000–30,000. Calling it an "infrastructure issue", she said that "there hasn't been enough planning about population growth, we haven't necessarily targeted our skill shortages properly";{{cite news |title=Video: Ardern committed to cutting immigration numbers |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/337191/video-ardern-committed-to-cutting-immigration-numbers |work=Radio New Zealand |access-date=15 August 2017 |date=15 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170816063755/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/337191/video-ardern-committed-to-cutting-immigration-numbers |archive-date=16 August 2017}} but she wanted to increase the intake of refugees.{{cite news |title=Labour's new leader shakes up New Zealand's election |url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21729013-she-wants-cut-immigration-admit-more-refugees-labours-new-leader-shakes-up-new-zealands |newspaper=The Economist |date=14 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915072118/https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21729013-she-wants-cut-immigration-admit-more-refugees-labours-new-leader-shakes-up-new-zealands |archive-date=15 September 2017}}

In foreign affairs, Ardern in 2017 voiced support for a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.{{cite news |title=NZ won't be bullied on Israel vote – Ardern |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/346740/nz-won-t-be-bullied-on-israel-vote-ardern |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=21 December 2017 |access-date=22 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322113231/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/346740/nz-won-t-be-bullied-on-israel-vote-ardern |archive-date=22 March 2019 |url-status=live}} She condemned the Israeli killing of Palestinians during protests at the Gaza border.{{cite news |first=Claire |last=Trevett |title=PM Jacinda Ardern: Gaza deaths show US Embassy move to Jerusalem hurt chance of peace |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12051727 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=15 May 2018 |access-date=22 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090551/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12051727 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live}}

Following the Supreme Court's landmark Make It 16 Incorporated v Attorney-General ruling in November 2022, Ardern supported lowering the voting age to 16 years, and said that the Government would introduce legislation to this effect. Legislation to change electoral law requires a 75 per cent majority.{{cite news |last=McClure |first=Tess |title=Ardern promises bill to lower voting age to 16 in New Zealand after discrimination ruling |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/21/voting-age-of-18-is-discriminatory-new-zealand-supreme-court-rules |access-date=22 November 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=21 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121144259/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/21/voting-age-of-18-is-discriminatory-new-zealand-supreme-court-rules |archive-date=21 November 2022 |url-status=live}}

File:Jacinda Ardern at the University of Auckland 01.jpg in 2017]]

Ardern was frequently described, often critically, as a "celebrity politician".{{cite news |url=https://pennpoliticalreview.org/2019/03/jacinda-ardern-the-celebrity/ |title=Jacinda Ardern: The Celebrity |last=Bala |first=Thenappan |work=Penn Political Review |date=16 March 2019 |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=3 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503015911/https://pennpoliticalreview.org/2019/03/jacinda-ardern-the-celebrity/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/112483571/the-growth-of-celebrity-politics-should-be-resisted |title=The growth of celebrity politics should be resisted |last=Hehir |first=Liam |work=Stuff |date=6 May 2019 |access-date=6 May 2019 |archive-date=6 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506003644/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/112483571/the-growth-of-celebrity-politics-should-be-resisted |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://theconversation.com/the-facebook-prime-minister-how-jacinda-ardern-became-new-zealands-most-successful-political-influencer-144485 |title=The Facebook prime minister: how Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand's most successful political influencer |last=Kapitan |first=Sommer |work=The Conversation |date=4 September 2020 |access-date=4 September 2020 |archive-date=6 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906164612/https://theconversation.com/the-facebook-prime-minister-how-jacinda-ardern-became-new-zealands-most-successful-political-influencer-144485 |url-status=live}} After becoming the Labour Party leader, Ardern received positive coverage from many sections of the media, including international outlets such as CNN,{{cite news |first=James |last=Griffiths |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/01/asia/new-zealand-labour-jacinda-ardern/index.html |access-date=1 September 2017 |title='All bets are off' in New Zealand vote as 'Jacindamania' boosts Labour |date=1 September 2017 |publisher=CNN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901065958/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/01/asia/new-zealand-labour-jacinda-ardern/index.html |archive-date=1 September 2017}} with commentators referring to a "Jacinda effect" and "Jacindamania".{{cite news |last1=Peacock |first1=Colin |title='Jacinda effect' in full effect in the media |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/201853439/jacinda-effect-in-full-effect-in-the-media |access-date=16 August 2017 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=3 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816064427/http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/201853439/jacinda-effect-in-full-effect-in-the-media |archive-date=16 August 2017}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/10/new-zealand-gripped-by-jacindamania-as-new-labour-leader-soars-in-polls |title=New Zealand gripped by 'Jacindamania' as new Labour leader soars in polls |last=Ainge Roy |first=Eleanor |date=10 August 2017 |work=The Guardian |access-date=13 September 2017 |issn=0261-3077 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914034503/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/10/new-zealand-gripped-by-jacindamania-as-new-labour-leader-soars-in-polls |archive-date=14 September 2017}}

Jacindamania was cited as a factor behind New Zealand gaining global attention and media influence in some reports, including the Soft Power 30 index.{{cite news |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/07/jacindamania-helped-nz-s-global-influence-index-reveals.html |title=Jacindamania helped NZ's global influence, index reveals |last=Bateman |first=Sophie |work=Newshub |date=16 July 2018 |access-date=17 July 2018 |archive-date=16 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716140818/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/07/jacindamania-helped-nz-s-global-influence-index-reveals.html |url-status=dead}} In a 2018 overseas trip, Ardern attracted much attention from international media, particularly after delivering a speech at the United Nations in New York. She contrasted with contemporary world leaders, being cast as an "antidote to Trumpism".{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018664346/jacindamania-goes-global-the-pm-in-us-at-the-un |title=Jacindamania goes global: the PM in US at the UN |last=Peacock |first=Colin |work=Radio New Zealand |date=30 September 2018 |access-date=3 October 2020 |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814150613/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018664346/jacindamania-goes-global-the-pm-in-us-at-the-un |url-status=live}} Writing for Stuff, Tracy Watkins said Ardern made a "cut-through on the world stage" and her reception was as a "torch carrier for progressive politics as a young woman who breaks the mold in a world where the political strongman is on the rise. She is a foil to the muscular diplomacy of the likes of US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin."{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/107313802/what-lies-behind-jacinda-arderns-appeal-in-the-us-to-her-followers-its-hope |title=What lies behind Jacinda Ardern's appeal in the US? To her followers, it's hope |last=Watkins |first=Tracy |work=Stuff |date=24 September 2018 |access-date=3 October 2020 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033619/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/107313802/what-lies-behind-jacinda-arderns-appeal-in-the-us-to-her-followers-its-hope |url-status=live}}

A year after Ardern formed her government, The Guardian's Eleanor Ainge Roy reported that Jacindamania was waning in the population, with not enough of the promised change visible.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/21/jacinda-ardern-first-year-new-zealand-grapples-with-jacindamania-hangover |title=Ardern's first year: New Zealand grapples with hangover from Jacindamania |last=Ainge Roy |first=Eleanor |date=21 October 2018 |work=The Guardian |access-date=5 May 2020 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=4 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304015227/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/21/jacinda-ardern-first-year-new-zealand-grapples-with-jacindamania-hangover |url-status=live}} When Toby Manhire, the editor of The Spinoff, reviewed the decade in December 2019, he praised Ardern for her leadership following the Christchurch mosque shootings and the Whakaari / White Island eruption, saying that "Ardern ... revealed an empathy, steel and clarity that in the most appalling circumstances brought New Zealanders together and inspired people the world over. It was a strength of character that showed itself again this week following the tragic eruption at Whakaari."{{cite news |last1=Manhire |first1=Toby |author-link1=Toby Manhire |title=The decade in politics: From Team Key to Jacindamania |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/partner/decade-in-review/11-12-2019/the-decade-in-politics-from-team-key-to-jacindamania/ |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=The Spinoff |date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=1 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601042217/https://thespinoff.co.nz/partner/decade-in-review/11-12-2019/the-decade-in-politics-from-team-key-to-jacindamania/ |url-status=live}}

Towards the end of her tenure Ardern faced decreased levels of popularity domestically and increased levels of criticism from across the political spectrum.{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/01/24/jacinda-ardern-denies-quitting-criticism-faced-prime-minister/ | title=Jacinda Ardern denies quitting over criticism she faced as PM | newspaper=The Telegraph | date=24 January 2023 | last1=Maynard | first1=Roger }} By early 2023, her popularity in New Zealand had declined significantly, with polls showing her approval rating at 29%, reflecting public frustration over unfulfilled promises on issues like housing, child poverty and social inequality. Contributing factors included the strictness of New Zealand's pandemic response strategy and the country's economic downturn in the early 2020s.{{cite news |title=New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern quits as leader, citing burnout |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/jacinda-ardern-says-will-resign-new-zealand-prime-minister-rcna66437 |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=NBC News |date=19 January 2023 |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=McClure |first=Tess |date=2022-12-23 |title=Jacinda Ardern's popularity plummeted this year. Things could get worse in 2023 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/24/jacinda-arderns-popularity-plummeted-this-year-things-could-get-worse-in-2023 |access-date=2024-03-18 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Ardern, along with several other politicians, experienced abuse from anti-vaxxers, anti-government protestors, and right-wing populist protestors.{{Cite news |date=2023-01-19 |title=Why Jacinda Ardern's star waned in New Zealand |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64328433 |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=en-GB}} Conspiracy theorist Richard Sivell contributed to the violent rhetoric in 2021–22 and was convicted of threatening to kill Ardern.{{cite news | last=Wall|first=Tony|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350300416/richard-sivell-run-almost-two-years-appears-court|access-date=3 October 2024|date=5 June 2024|title=Richard Sivell, on the run for almost two years, appears in court|publisher=Stuff }}

Ardern is qualified in communications, with a focus on public relations and political science, from the University of Waikato. Some commentators have suggested that her background in public relations contributed to a leadership style perceived by critics as emphasizing performative empathy over substantive policy outcomes.{{Cite journal |last1=Simpson |first1=Ace V |last2=Rego |first2=Arménio |last3=Berti |first3=Marco |last4=Clegg |first4=Stewart |last5=Pina e Cunha |first5=Miguel |date=2022-06-01 |title=Theorizing compassionate leadership from the case of Jacinda Ardern: Legitimacy, paradox and resource conservation1 |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17427150211055291 |journal=Leadership |language=EN |volume=18 |issue=3 |pages=337–358 |doi=10.1177/17427150211055291 |issn=1742-7150}}{{Cite news |last1=Menon |first1=Praveen |date=2023-01-19 |title=Jacinda Ardern leaves mixed legacy as she resigns as New Zealand prime minister |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealands-ardern-leaves-legacy-kindness-disappointments-2023-01-19/ |work=Reuters |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Chodor |first=Tom |date=2023-01-20 |title=What was the point of Jacinda Ardern? |url=http://unherd.com/2023/01/what-was-the-point-of-jacinda-ardern/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=UnHerd}}{{Cite web |title=Performative Caring|publisher=The Daily Blog |url=https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2022/07/14/performative-caring/ |access-date=2025-05-21}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=LgG5YU1gSl-l_A4R&v=b7DrCQx75lI&feature=youtu.be |title=New Zealanders 'seeing through' Jacinda Ardern's 'performative caring' |date=2022-07-09 |publisher=Sky News Australia |access-date=2025-05-21 |via=YouTube}} While she was internationally lauded for her responses to crises, domestic critics argued that her government underdelivered on key social and economic issues.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8EsoSdWqcU |title=New Zealanders waking up to Jacinda Ardern's 'gross ineptitude' |date=2022-09-01 |last=Sky News Australia |access-date=2025-05-21 |via=YouTube}} Following her resignation in 2023{{Cite magazine |last=Syed |first=Armani |date=2023-01-19 |title=How Jacinda Ardern Led New Zealand With Her Humanity |url=https://time.com/6248497/jacinda-ardern-resignation-legacy/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |magazine=TIME |language=en}} and her subsequent academic appointments in the United States, some New Zealanders expressed concern over what they viewed as a withdrawal from domestic political accountability.{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Michael |date=2025-04-27 |title=Jacinda Ardern and the empty politics of 'kindness' |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/jacinda-ardern-and-the-empty-politics-of-kindness/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=The Spectator |language=en-GB}}

Ardern was one of fifteen women selected to appear on the cover of the September 2019 issue of British Vogue, by guest editor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.{{cite news |title=Meghan Markle puts Sinéad Burke on the cover of Vogue's September issue |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/fashion/meghan-markle-puts-sinéad-burke-on-the-cover-of-vogue-s-september-issue-1.3970604 |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=31 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729141808/https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/fashion/meghan-markle-puts-sin%C3%A9ad-burke-on-the-cover-of-vogue-s-september-issue-1.3970604 |archive-date=29 July 2019 |url-status=live}} Forbes magazine has consistently ranked her among the 100 most powerful women in the world, placing her 34th in 2021.{{cite news |last1=Bernadette |first1=Basagre |title=Jacinda Ardern makes Forbes list of world's most powerful women for fourth year, drops two places |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300473864/jacinda-ardern-makes-forbes-list-of-worlds-most-powerful-women-for-fourth-year-drops-two-places |access-date=15 December 2021 |work=Stuff |date=9 December 2021 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=14 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214182550/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300473864/jacinda-ardern-makes-forbes-list-of-worlds-most-powerful-women-for-fourth-year-drops-two-places |url-status=live}} She was included in the 2019 Time 100 list{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/5567767/jacinda-ardern/ |title=Jacinda Ardern |magazine=Time |author-link=Sadiq Khan |last=Khan |first=Sadiq |year=2019 |access-date=10 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210075725/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/5567767/jacinda-ardern/ |archive-date=10 December 2019 |url-status=live}} and shortlisted for Time's 2019 Person of the Year.{{cite news |url=https://www.today.com/news/who-will-be-time-s-2019-person-year-see-shortlist-t169374 |title=Who will be TIME's 2019 Person of the Year? See the shortlist |work=Today |last=Stump |first=Scott |date=9 December 2019 |access-date=10 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210102018/https://www.today.com/news/who-will-be-time-s-2019-person-year-see-shortlist-t169374 |archive-date=10 December 2019 |url-status=live}} The magazine later incorrectly speculated that she might win the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize among a listed six candidates, for her handling of the Christchurch mosque shootings.{{Cite magazine |first=Rachael |last=Bunyan |url=https://time.com/5691777/nobel-peace-prize-predictions-2019/ |title=Here Are the Favorites to Win the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize |magazine=Time |language=en |access-date=8 January 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191008063615/https://time.com/5691777/nobel-peace-prize-predictions-2019/ |archive-date=8 October 2019 |url-status=live}} In 2020, she was listed by Prospect as the second-greatest thinker for the COVID-19 era.{{Cite magazine |year=2020 |title=The world's top 50 thinkers for the Covid-19 age |url=https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/content/uploads/2020/09/PWTT20.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907185002/https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/content/uploads/2020/09/PWTT20.pdf |archive-date=7 September 2020 |access-date=8 September 2020 |magazine=Prospect}} On 19 November 2020, Ardern was awarded Harvard University's 2020 Gleitsman International Activist Award; she contributed the US$150,000 (NZ$216,000) prize money to New Zealanders studying at the university.{{cite news |title=Jacinda Ardern wins Harvard leadership award for handling of Covid-19, Christchurch terrorist attack |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/world/jacinda-ardern-wins-harvard-leadership-award-handling-covid-19-christchurch-terrorist-attack |access-date=19 November 2020 |work=1News |agency=Australian Associated Press |date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119054436/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/world/jacinda-ardern-wins-harvard-leadership-award-handling-covid-19-christchurch-terrorist-attack |archive-date=19 November 2020}}

File:Ocellularia jacinda-arderniae 173963024.jpg

In 2021, New Zealand zoologist Steven A. Trewick named the flightless wētā species Hemiandrus jacinda in honour of Ardern.{{cite journal |last1=Trewick |first1=Steven A. |title=A new species of large Hemiandrus ground wētā (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae) from North Island, New Zealand |journal=Zootaxa |date=12 March 2021 |volume=4942 |issue=2 |pages=207–218 |doi=10.11646/zootaxa.4942.2.4 |pmid=33757066 |doi-access=free}} A spokesperson for Ardern said{{cite news |last1=Hunt |first1=Elle |title=Hemiandrus jacinda: insect named after New Zealand prime minister |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/12/hemiandrus-jacinda-insect-named-after-new-zealand-prime-minister-ardern |work=The Guardian |date=12 March 2021 |language=en |access-date=12 March 2021 |archive-date=12 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312191903/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/12/hemiandrus-jacinda-insect-named-after-new-zealand-prime-minister-ardern |url-status=live}} that a beetle (Mecodema jacinda), a lichen (Ocellularia jacinda-arderniae),{{cite web |title=Jacinda's Lichen-ness |work=Unitec |date=28 February 2020 |url=https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/jacinda-s-lichen-ness |publisher=UNITEC Institute of Technology |access-date=6 September 2021 |quote=The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has inspired the name for a new species of lichen, discovered in Auckland last year by Environmental and Animal Sciences professors Dan Blanchon and Peter de Lange, along with Peter’s 17-year-old son Theo and former Unitec student Andrew Marshall. Ocellularia jacinda-arderniae, or Jacinda’s barnacle lichen, recognises that the lichen was found during the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage. So far the lichen been found on tanekaha, kauri and rewarewa trees in Auckland. |archive-date=5 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505220146/https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/jacinda-s-lichen-ness |url-status=live}} and an ant (Crematogaster jacindae, found in Saudi Arabia){{cite web |title=Jacinda Ant-dern? New insect species named after NZ prime minister |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/jacinda-ant-dern-new-insect-species-named-after-nz-prime-minister |website=1 NEWS |publisher=TVNZ |access-date=6 September 2021 |date=12 December 2019 |quote=A newly discovered ant species in Saudi Arabia has been named after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. ‘That’s quite an unusual thing’ – Jacinda Ardern responds to having ant species named after her. The name, Crematogaster jacindae, was to honour Ms Ardern for her work following the Christchurch terrorist attack on March 15. |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906045027/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/jacinda-ant-dern-new-insect-species-named-after-nz-prime-minister |url-status=live}} had also been named after her.

In mid-May 2021, Fortune magazine gave 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.{{cite news |title=Jacinda Ardern |url=https://fortune.com/worlds-greatest-leaders/2021/jacinda-ardern/ |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=Fortune |date=14 May 2021 |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515122522/https://fortune.com/worlds-greatest-leaders/2021/jacinda-ardern/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Forrester |first1=Georgina |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tops Fortune magazine's world greatest leaders list |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/125132824/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-tops-fortune-magazines-worlds-greatest-leaders-list |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=Stuff |date=14 May 2021 |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515010753/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/125132824/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-tops-fortune-magazines-worlds-greatest-leaders-list |url-status=live}}

On 26 May 2022, Ardern was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Harvard University for contributions that "shape the world".{{cite web |url=https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/05/harvard-awards-seven-honorary-degrees-2/ |title=Harvard awards seven honorary degrees |date=26 May 2022 |publisher=Harvard University |access-date=27 May 2022}}

In the 2023 King's Birthday and Coronation Honours, Ardern was appointed a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (GNZM), for services to the State.{{cite web |url=https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/publications/kings-birthday-and-coronation-honours-list-2023 |title=The King's Birthday and Coronation honours list 2023 |date=5 June 2023 |publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet |access-date=5 June 2023}} Her investiture by the Prince of Wales was at Windsor Castle on 16 October 2024.{{Cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/531019/jacinda-ardern-receives-damehood-from-prince-william |title=Jacinda Ardern receives damehood from Prince William |date=17 October 2024 |work=RNZ News |access-date=17 October 2024}}

In mid November 2024, Radio New Zealand reported that the United Nations Foundation would award the Champion for Global Change Award in recognition of her "trailblazing and empathetic" leadership, her commitment to women's rights, combating climate change and promoting unity and peace.{{cite news |title=Dame Jacinda Ardern to be given United Nations leadership award |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/534403/dame-jacinda-ardern-to-be-given-united-nations-leadership-award |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=RNZ |date=21 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120222558/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/534403/dame-jacinda-ardern-to-be-given-united-nations-leadership-award |archive-date=20 November 2024}}

File:Jacinda Ardern and Patsy Reddy on Waitangi Day (crop).jpg (left), at a Waitangi Day event in 2018]]

Ardern is a second cousin of Hamish McDouall, former mayor of Whanganui.{{cite news |first=Toby |last=Manhire |author-link=Toby Manhire |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/19-09-2017/my-final-final-plea-a-day-in-whanganui-with-jacinda-ardern/ |title='My final, final plea': a day in Whanganui with Jacinda Ardern |work=The Spinoff |date=19 September 2017 |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=5 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705205426/https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/19-09-2017/my-final-final-plea-a-day-in-whanganui-with-jacinda-ardern/ |url-status=live}} She is also a distant cousin of former National MP for Taranaki-King Country Shane Ardern.{{cite news |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/politics/things-we-learned-about-jacinda-ardern-2014060616 |title=Things we learned about Jacinda Ardern |work=Newshub |date=6 November 2014 |access-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191219072521/https://www.newshub.co.nz/politics/things-we-learned-about-jacinda-ardern-2014060616 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |url-status=dead}}

Ardern's husband is television presenter Clarke Gayford.{{Cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11674545 |title=Clarke Gayford: Jacinda Ardern is the best thing that's ever happened to me |last=Knight |first=Kim |date=16 July 2016 |work=The New Zealand Herald |issn=1170-0777 |access-date=15 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717053701/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11674545 |archive-date=17 July 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nzonscreen.com/person/clarke-gayford |title=Clarke Gayford |website=NZ On Screen |access-date=18 September 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918154831/https://www.nzonscreen.com/person/clarke-gayford |archive-date=18 September 2017}} The couple first met in 2012 when they were introduced by mutual friend Colin Mathura-Jeffree, a New Zealand television host and model,{{cite news |date=1 May 2018 |title=Jacinda Ardern was on a date with another man when she first met Clarke Gayford |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/103523415/jacinda-ardern-was-another-mans-date-the-first-time-she-met-clarke-gayford |work=Stuff |access-date=1 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501224748/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/103523415/jacinda-ardern-was-another-mans-date-the-first-time-she-met-clarke-gayford |archive-date=1 May 2018 |url-status=live}} but they did not spend time together until Gayford contacted Ardern regarding a controversial Government Communications Security Bureau bill. Ardern and Gayford were living together when she became prime minister, and on 3 May 2019, it was reported that they were engaged to be married.{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern engaged to partner Clarke Gayford |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/388405/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-engaged-to-partner-clarke-gayford |access-date=3 May 2019 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=3 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503045400/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/388405/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-engaged-to-partner-clarke-gayford |archive-date=3 May 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford engaged |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12227668 |access-date=3 May 2019 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=3 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504013123/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12227668 |archive-date=4 May 2019 |url-status=live}} The wedding was scheduled for January 2022, but was postponed due to highly transmissible COVID-19 Deltacron hybrid variant.{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/covid-19-omicron-outbreak-pm-jacinda-ardern-cancels-wedding-as-country-moves-to-red/X22AEDQESJNQUJZOO5WPNQRPZI/ |title=Covid 19 NZ: PM Jacinda Ardern cancels wedding as country moves to red |date=23 January 2022 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=23 January 2022 |archive-date=23 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123001256/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/covid-19-omicron-outbreak-pm-jacinda-ardern-cancels-wedding-as-country-moves-to-red/X22AEDQESJNQUJZOO5WPNQRPZI/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |title='Such is life': NZ PM calls off wedding |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-60103015 |access-date=23 January 2022 |archive-date=23 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123131943/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-60103015 |url-status=live}} On 14 May 2022, Ardern tested positive for COVID-19.{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tests positive for Covid-19 |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/467080/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-tests-positive-for-covid-19 |access-date=14 May 2022 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=14 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514152830/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/467080/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-tests-positive-for-covid-19 |archive-date=14 May 2022 |url-status=live}} Her partner, Gayford had tested positive for COVID-19 several days earlier on 8 May.{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=Covid-19 NZ: Jacinda Ardern isolating at home as partner Clarke Gayford infected |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300582798/covid19-nz-jacinda-ardern-isolating-at-home-as-partner-clarke-gayford-infected |access-date=8 May 2022 |work=Stuff |date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508111856/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300582798/covid19-nz-jacinda-ardern-isolating-at-home-as-partner-clarke-gayford-infected |archive-date=8 May 2022 |url-status=live}} On 13 January 2024 Ardern and Gayford married, at Craggy Range Winery near Havelock North in Hawke's Bay.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/jacinda-ardern-wedding-first-official-photo-of-former-pm-wearing-juliette-hogan-as-she-marries-clarke-gayford/ZKAHBBLPRNGO5CKB7FCXN6TITE/ |title=Jacinda Ardern wedding: First official photo of former PM wearing Juliette Hogan as she marries Clarke Gayford |date=13 January 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=13 January 2024 }}

On 19 January 2018, Ardern announced that she was expecting her first child in June, making her New Zealand's first prime minister to be pregnant in office.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11978029 |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces pregnancy |date=19 January 2018 |work=The New Zealand Herald | access-date= 19 January 2018 | archive-url= https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20180124184728/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11978029 | archive-date= 24 January 2018 | url-status= live}} Ardern was admitted to Auckland City Hospital on 21 June 2018,{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12066441 |title=Here comes the baby: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in labour, at Auckland Hospital with partner Clarke Gayford |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=21 June 2018 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621015939/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12066441 |archive-date=21 June 2018 |url-status=live}} and gave birth to a girl the same day,{{cite news |title=Live: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's baby is on the way |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/parenting/104464515/live-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-goes-into-hospital |access-date=21 June 2018 |work=Stuff |date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621093421/https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/parenting/104464515/live-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-goes-into-hospital |archive-date=21 June 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=It's a girl! Jacinda Ardern gives birth to her first child |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/06/it-s-a-girl-jacinda-ardern-gives-birth-to-her-first-child.html |access-date=21 June 2018 |work=Newshub |date=21 June 2018 |quote=She is only the second world leader in history to give birth while in office. Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto gave birth to a baby girl in 1990. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621093641/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/06/it-s-a-girl-jacinda-ardern-gives-birth-to-her-first-child.html |archive-date=21 June 2018 |url-status=dead}} becoming only the second elected head of government to give birth while in office (after Benazir Bhutto in 1990).{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44568537 |title=Ardern and Bhutto: Two different pregnancies in power |last=Khan |first=M Ilyas |date=21 June 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=22 June 2018 |quote=Now that New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has hit world headlines by becoming only the second elected head of government to give birth in office, attention has naturally been drawn to the first such leader – Pakistan's late two-time Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622012924/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44568537 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |url-status=live}} Her daughter's given names are Neve Te Aroha.{{cite news |title=Watch: PM Jacinda Ardern leaves hospital with 'Neve Te Aroha' |date=24 June 2018 |work=Radio New Zealand |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/360285/watch-pm-jacinda-ardern-leaves-hospital-with-neve-te-aroha |access-date=23 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213024544/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/360285/watch-pm-jacinda-ardern-leaves-hospital-with-neve-te-aroha |archive-date=13 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Neve is an anglicised form of the Irish name Niamh, meaning 'bright'; {{lang|mi|Aroha}} is Māori for 'love', and Te Aroha is a rural town west of the Kaimai Range, near Ardern's former home town of Morrinsville.{{cite news |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/360288/pm-s-baby-named-neve-te-aroha-ardern-gayford |work=Radio New Zealand |title=PM's baby named: Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford |date=24 June 2018 |access-date=24 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624013004/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/360288/pm-s-baby-named-neve-te-aroha-ardern-gayford |archive-date=24 June 2018 |url-status=live}}

After growing rumours that Gayford was under police investigation for criminal offences, in 2018 both Ardern and the police commissioner, Mike Bush, took the unusual step of confirming that Gayford was not, and had not been, under any such investigations.{{cite news |first=David |last=Fisher | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/false-clarke-gayford-rumours-police-and-pm-jacinda-ardern-respond-to-widely-circulated-fake-slurs/YTI2ZJ7PNPDAGAIG3EB7LKINME/ | title='Dirty politics': PM, police respond to fake Gayford rumours |work=The New Zealand Herald | date=28 May 2023 |access-date=9 June 2025 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/apology-and-payment-clarke-gayford-after-baseless-lies |title=Apology and payment for Clarke Gayford after 'baseless lies' |work=Otago Daily Times |date=29 July 2022 |access-date=9 June 2025}}

Raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand, Ardern left the church in 2005 at age 25 because, she said, it conflicted with her personal views, in particular her support for gay rights.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11789352 |title=The politics of life: The truth about Jacinda Ardern |last=Knight |first=Kim |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=29 January 2017 |access-date= 15 August 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170819110750/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11789352 |archive-date= 19 August 2017 |url-status= live}} In January 2017, Ardern identified as agnostic, saying "I can't see myself being a member of an organised religion again". As prime minister in 2019, she met the president of the LDS Church, Russell M. Nelson.{{cite press release|date=20 May 2019 |title=President Nelson Meets with New Zealand Prime Minister |url=http://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-nelson-pacific-ministry-2019-wellington|publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|language=en |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108104011/https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-nelson-pacific-ministry-2019-wellington |url-status=live}}

• List of New Zealand governments
• Politics of New Zealand
• Paddles (cat), Ardern's former pet cat

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• [https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/ardern-jacinda/ Jacinda Ardern's] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802173743/https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/ardern-jacinda/ |date=2 August 2017 }} profile on the New Zealand Parliament website
• [https://www.labour.org.nz/jacindaardern Jacinda Ardern] at the New Zealand Labour Party
• {{C-SPAN|119140}}

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