Read at 3 different speeds

Ardern takes a bow - 25th January 2023

Sending shockwaves through the political sphere, Jacinda Ardern’s announced that she's standing down as prime minister. After careful consideration Ardern had concluded that she 'had nothing left in the tank'.

Becoming PM in 2017, aged 37, Ardern broke records as the youngest female head of government and a year later only the second to give birth in office. Ardern won widespread acclaim for her handling of New Zealand's bloodiest terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 51 Muslims and injured 40 others.

The young leader’s mettle was tested further as she steered New Zealand through a series of disasters, including the White Island volcanic eruption and the Covid pandemic, where her decisiveness and successful policies resulted in minimal impact on the local population.

Featured on the covers of British Vogue and Time magazine, there was a perception that Ardern was more admired abroad than at home. Recently, local political polls reflect a steady decline in her government's popularity, hampered by rocketing inflation, an imminent recession and a resurgent conservative opposition.

Ardern's resignation announcement stirred varying reactions, ranging from disappointment and appreciation to elation, amongst local voters.

Ingrid: "I think she was an excellent leader, and I'm devastated that she's going, she's resigning."

Lia Correa: "I think she'll leave behind a really good legacy, cause like, she's a woman prime minister who kicked ass. She was awesome. She did everything she could during the pandemic. Kept a lot of people safe. Yeah, I think she's gonna have a great legacy."

Some, believing she should call it a day, were relieved and still others were rejoicing.

Craig: "I think her legacy internationally will be good. Locally, her reputation's gone. "

Business Owner: "As a business owner, this is a wonderful day. The restrictions and the extra compliance and extra tax of business that has happened, and especially staffing levels, where there's no immigrants, has with, left us all short, all stressed out, all mentally ill from not being able to run our businesses properly. And so, I see this as the most wonderful day for New Zealand."

Chosen to replace Ardern, the Labour Party's Chris Hipkins will face the public in October when voters head to the polls.