Jacinda Ardern New Zealand politician Date of Birth: 26.07.1980 Country: New Zealand

1. Early Life and Influences
2. Political Beginnings
3. Parliamentary Career
4. Prime Minister of New Zealand
5. Policy Priorities
6. Effective Crisis Management
7. Ideological Views
8. Personal Life

Early Life and Influences

Jacinda Ardern was born into a Mormon family in 1980 to Ross Ardern, a police officer. Her aunt's active involvement in the Labour Party inspired her political ambitions, and she joined the party at a young age.

Political Beginnings

After graduating from the University of Waikato in Political Communications, Ardern worked as a researcher for Phil Goff and Helen Clark. She also served as a political advisor to Tony Blair in the United Kingdom. In 2008, she was elected President of the International Union of Socialist Youth.

Parliamentary Career

Ardern was elected to Parliament in 2008 and later became Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in 2017. Amidst dwindling party support, she became the Labour leader in August 2017. Despite facing gendered personal attacks, she led a dynamic election campaign that propelled the Labour Party to a resurgence in support.

Prime Minister of New Zealand

In the 2017 general election, Labour formed a coalition government, making Ardern the world's youngest female head of government at the age of 37. She became the third woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in New Zealand.

Policy Priorities

As Prime Minister, Ardern prioritized addressing poverty, protecting the environment, empowering youth, and supporting women. Her government focused on tackling housing affordability, reducing child poverty, and increasing social welfare and economic support.

Effective Crisis Management

Ardern's empathic and decisive response to the Christchurch mosque attacks and COVID-19 pandemic garnered widespread praise. She implemented a ban on semi-automatic weapons, introduced an economic recovery package, and strengthened public health measures.

Ideological Views

Ardern identifies as a social democrat, progressive, feminist, and republican. She supports social welfare, equal rights, environmental protection, and reducing economic inequality.

Personal Life

In 2018, Ardern announced her pregnancy and gave birth to her daughter, Neve Te Aroha. She became the second female head of government to give birth in office. In 2019, she became engaged to Clarke Gayford.