I couldn’t help it. When I’d first caught wind of the news that Jacinda Ardern will resign in February as leader of the NZ Labour Party and Prime Minister of New Zealand, I assumed – only briefly – that she’d been caught out for something naughty.
After all, isn’t that how most politicians end up leaving office? I should’ve known better, in this case, but I suppose that’s what years of bad news will do to a mind. When it comes to politics, I’ve become quite… ‘glass half empty? Glass hasn’t seen a drop of water in years!’
I didn’t keep up with all her work, but I have strong memories of her honesty, her transparency, her ability-and-readiness to shut down the idiotic and bigoted and sexist comments and manoeuvring from media and political rivals.
Very few male leaders are so brave, let alone this naturally powerful woman who exuded the strength to do what her country genuinely needed rather than what was ‘best’ for her career and her reputation with potential future employers.
I remember feeling encouraged when I needed it most by her brave leadership through covid, making frightening and often unprecedented decisions that many other governments lacked the strength and resolve to make – like the Australian federal and NSW state governments, so fearful of upsetting businesses and donors and, of course, Rupert.
It was a beacon of hope in dark times to know there was a leader out there who understood it was vital to be courageous on hard calls despite the potential political result. Lo and behold, courage proved popular anyway.
Thanks, Jacinda!