Ardern resigns - 25th January 2023

Jacinda Ardern’s resigned as prime minister of New Zealand. She's taken the decision to step down because she's run out of energy for the job.

Ardern took on the role of prime minister of New Zealand in 2017. At just 37, she was the world's youngest female leader, and the next year also gave birth while in office.

As prime minister, Ardern’s shown leadership through some tough times. She gained international respect for the way she handled a terrorist attack on the country's Muslim community. And her quick decisions after a volcanic eruption on White Island and during Covid saved many lives.

Despite being a popular leader who made the front covers of international magazines like British Vogue and Time, Ardern's government’s now losing support. The country’s economy is facing challenges and prices are rising sharply. This has caused some voters to lose faith in the government.

Nevertheless, her resignation’s received mixed reactions. Some are saddened by the news and talk about her achievements.

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."

Others have had enough and would like a new leader who can improve conditions for businesses in New Zealand.

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."

In October, New Zealand will vote for its next government, when Ardern’s replacement Chris Hipkins hopes to win.