After almost six years in power, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has decided to step down as leader, no later than February 7.

Ardern made the emotional announcement during the Labour Party caucus retreat.

'For me, it's time. I don't have enough in the tank for another four years,' Ardern said.

'I am not leaving because I believe we cannot win the next election, but because I believe we can and will.'

‘I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple.’

We thought it fitting to take a look at her accomplishments and the legacy she leaves behind.

Ardern was the youngest female head of government. Image Credit: Shutterstock

While Ardern was widely beloved, she also received unprecedented levels of threats and hate from various groups around the world. She has, however, continued to insist that these threats played no role in her resignation.

Something she leaves New Zealand, and the world, with is a reminder of stepping away gracefully. Sometimes you simply know when you have reached the end of a journey and there’s dignity in removing yourself from a situation on your own terms.

‘I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused...that you can be your own kind of leader, one who knows when it’s time to go.’ Ardern stated.

At the age of 37, Jacinda Ardern captured the world's attention when she was elected as Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017 – making headlines as she became the world’s youngest female leader and only the second in history to give birth while holding office.

During her time as Prime Minister, she earned global respect and admiration for her poise and leadership amid multiple tragedies, particularly the white supremacist terrorist attacks on two mosques in the city of Christchurch in 2019. When Ardern arrived to meet with the survivors shortly after the attacks – wearing a traditional headscarf – the world watched in admiration as she told the Muslim community that New Zealand was ‘united in grief’.

Her response to the 2019 White Island volcano eruption and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic further cemented Ardern’s reputation as a politician of great empathy and strength. Throughout her time in office, she has demonstrated that it is possible to make significant change while treating those impacted with kindness and respect.

Members of the SDC, the power of Ardern’s actions remind us of the importance of remaining compassionate in the midst of difficulty. Despite the challenges faced, Ardern was a leader who remained optimistic yet focused, and her ‘go hard, go early’ approach saw New Zealand faring better with the COVID-19 pandemic than many other nations.

Ardern's focus on tackling gun violence and preventing online hate was just as powerful - she implemented a nationwide ban on semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles and introduced other gun controls within weeks of the Christchurch massacre.

No stranger to online hate herself, Ardern launched a global campaign to end online hate, but still had to deal with backlash from those who opposed her coronavirus-related measures.

During her time in office, she faced growing anger at home from those who opposed her government’s coronavirus-related restrictions; prompting her to abandon the nation’s zero-tolerance pandemic strategy as the number of cases began to rise. And a protest last year that began on parliament’s grounds ended with protesters hurling rocks at police and setting fires to tents and mattresses as they were forced to leave.

Before leaving office, she announced a wide-ranging Royal Commission of Inquiry into the effectiveness of the government’s response to COVID-19 and how it could better prepare for future pandemics. The report is expected next year.

Throughout her term, Ardern also sought to build strong connections with countries like Australia, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as to bring New Zealand onto the international stage.

​

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote: ‘Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength. She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities. Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me.’

Her fiancé, Clarke Gayford, was also present during her resignation announcement.

‘To Neve: mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year. And to Clarke – let’s finally get married.’

Currently, attention turns to the contenders for the role of Labour’s new leader, with speculation over who will be chosen. There is little doubt that, whoever takes the helm, will face tough challenges in the months and years ahead, not just in New Zealand, but also in a world still struggling with the effects of COVID-19 and an international cost of living crisis.

Labour will select their new leader shortly – if everyone is in agreement, the newly chosen leader will then be sworn in and Ardern will step down.

The general election in New Zealand will still be held on October 14.

No matter how you feel about Ardern’s politics, her commitment to kindness and unity in the face of tragedy should be recognised and celebrated. We here at the SDC congratulate Jacinda Ardern for all her accomplishments during her six years in office, and we wish her success in all future endeavours. Maybe she should come for a holiday Down Under?

You can watch her full speech below:

​

 

[annabellamariamaud]

I know she’s not perfect - none of us are - but a good few countries could use a Jacinda Arden clone to lead them for a term or two.

 

[ShannyN]

wish her well as a normal citizen with a family to raise but still what has this got to do with bargains, discounts for pensioners or cashed up retirees?

 

[Verdexon]

After almost six years in power, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has decided to step down as leader, no later than February 7.

Ardern made the emotional announcement during the Labour Party caucus retreat.

'For me, it's time. I don't have enough in the tank for another four years,' Ardern said.

'I am not leaving because I believe we cannot win the next election, but because I believe we can and will.'

‘I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple.’

We thought it fitting to take a look at her accomplishments and the legacy she leaves behind.

View attachment 12088

Ardern was the youngest female head of government. Image Credit: Shutterstock

While Ardern was widely beloved, she also received unprecedented levels of threats and hate from various groups around the world. She has, however, continued to insist that these threats played no role in her resignation.

Something she leaves New Zealand, and the world, with is a reminder of stepping away gracefully. Sometimes you simply know when you have reached the end of a journey and there’s dignity in removing yourself from a situation on your own terms.

‘I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused...that you can be your own kind of leader, one who knows when it’s time to go.’ Ardern stated.

At the age of 37, Jacinda Ardern captured the world's attention when she was elected as Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017 – making headlines as she became the world’s youngest female leader and only the second in history to give birth while holding office.

During her time as Prime Minister, she earned global respect and admiration for her poise and leadership amid multiple tragedies, particularly the white supremacist terrorist attacks on two mosques in the city of Christchurch in 2019. When Ardern arrived to meet with the survivors shortly after the attacks – wearing a traditional headscarf – the world watched in admiration as she told the Muslim community that New Zealand was ‘united in grief’.

Her response to the 2019 White Island volcano eruption and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic further cemented Ardern’s reputation as a politician of great empathy and strength. Throughout her time in office, she has demonstrated that it is possible to make significant change while treating those impacted with kindness and respect.

Members of the SDC, the power of Ardern’s actions remind us of the importance of remaining compassionate in the midst of difficulty. Despite the challenges faced, Ardern was a leader who remained optimistic yet focused, and her ‘go hard, go early’ approach saw New Zealand faring better with the COVID-19 pandemic than many other nations.

Ardern's focus on tackling gun violence and preventing online hate was just as powerful - she implemented a nationwide ban on semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles and introduced other gun controls within weeks of the Christchurch massacre.

No stranger to online hate herself, Ardern launched a global campaign to end online hate, but still had to deal with backlash from those who opposed her coronavirus-related measures.

During her time in office, she faced growing anger at home from those who opposed her government’s coronavirus-related restrictions; prompting her to abandon the nation’s zero-tolerance pandemic strategy as the number of cases began to rise. And a protest last year that began on parliament’s grounds ended with protesters hurling rocks at police and setting fires to tents and mattresses as they were forced to leave.

Before leaving office, she announced a wide-ranging Royal Commission of Inquiry into the effectiveness of the government’s response to COVID-19 and how it could better prepare for future pandemics. The report is expected next year.

Throughout her term, Ardern also sought to build strong connections with countries like Australia, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as to bring New Zealand onto the international stage.

​

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote: ‘Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength. She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities. Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me.’

Her fiancé, Clarke Gayford, was also present during her resignation announcement.

‘To Neve: mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year. And to Clarke – let’s finally get married.’

Currently, attention turns to the contenders for the role of Labour’s new leader, with speculation over who will be chosen. There is little doubt that, whoever takes the helm, will face tough challenges in the months and years ahead, not just in New Zealand, but also in a world still struggling with the effects of COVID-19 and an international cost of living crisis.

Labour will select their new leader shortly – if everyone is in agreement, the newly chosen leader will then be sworn in and Ardern will step down.

The general election in New Zealand will still be held on October 14.

No matter how you feel about Ardern’s politics, her commitment to kindness and unity in the face of tragedy should be recognised and celebrated. We here at the SDC congratulate Jacinda Ardern for all her accomplishments during her six years in office, and we wish her success in all future endeavours. Maybe she should come for a holiday Down Under?

You can watch her full speech below:

​

After almost six years in power, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has decided to step down as leader, no later than February 7.

Ardern made the emotional announcement during the Labour Party caucus retreat.

'For me, it's time. I don't have enough in the tank for another four years,' Ardern said.

'I am not leaving because I believe we cannot win the next election, but because I believe we can and will.'

‘I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple.’

We thought it fitting to take a look at her accomplishments and the legacy she leaves behind.

View attachment 12088

Ardern was the youngest female head of government. Image Credit: Shutterstock

While Ardern was widely beloved, she also received unprecedented levels of threats and hate from various groups around the world. She has, however, continued to insist that these threats played no role in her resignation.

Something she leaves New Zealand, and the world, with is a reminder of stepping away gracefully. Sometimes you simply know when you have reached the end of a journey and there’s dignity in removing yourself from a situation on your own terms.

‘I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused...that you can be your own kind of leader, one who knows when it’s time to go.’ Ardern stated.

At the age of 37, Jacinda Ardern captured the world's attention when she was elected as Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017 – making headlines as she became the world’s youngest female leader and only the second in history to give birth while holding office.

During her time as Prime Minister, she earned global respect and admiration for her poise and leadership amid multiple tragedies, particularly the white supremacist terrorist attacks on two mosques in the city of Christchurch in 2019. When Ardern arrived to meet with the survivors shortly after the attacks – wearing a traditional headscarf – the world watched in admiration as she told the Muslim community that New Zealand was ‘united in grief’.

Her response to the 2019 White Island volcano eruption and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic further cemented Ardern’s reputation as a politician of great empathy and strength. Throughout her time in office, she has demonstrated that it is possible to make significant change while treating those impacted with kindness and respect.

Members of the SDC, the power of Ardern’s actions remind us of the importance of remaining compassionate in the midst of difficulty. Despite the challenges faced, Ardern was a leader who remained optimistic yet focused, and her ‘go hard, go early’ approach saw New Zealand faring better with the COVID-19 pandemic than many other nations.

Ardern's focus on tackling gun violence and preventing online hate was just as powerful - she implemented a nationwide ban on semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles and introduced other gun controls within weeks of the Christchurch massacre.

No stranger to online hate herself, Ardern launched a global campaign to end online hate, but still had to deal with backlash from those who opposed her coronavirus-related measures.

During her time in office, she faced growing anger at home from those who opposed her government’s coronavirus-related restrictions; prompting her to abandon the nation’s zero-tolerance pandemic strategy as the number of cases began to rise. And a protest last year that began on parliament’s grounds ended with protesters hurling rocks at police and setting fires to tents and mattresses as they were forced to leave.

Before leaving office, she announced a wide-ranging Royal Commission of Inquiry into the effectiveness of the government’s response to COVID-19 and how it could better prepare for future pandemics. The report is expected next year.

Throughout her term, Ardern also sought to build strong connections with countries like Australia, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as to bring New Zealand onto the international stage.

​

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote: ‘Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength. She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities. Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me.’

Her fiancé, Clarke Gayford, was also present during her resignation announcement.

‘To Neve: mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year. And to Clarke – let’s finally get married.’

Currently, attention turns to the contenders for the role of Labour’s new leader, with speculation over who will be chosen. There is little doubt that, whoever takes the helm, will face tough challenges in the months and years ahead, not just in New Zealand, but also in a world still struggling with the effects of COVID-19 and an international cost of living crisis.

Labour will select their new leader shortly – if everyone is in agreement, the newly chosen leader will then be sworn in and Ardern will step down.

The general election in New Zealand will still be held on October 14.

No matter how you feel about Ardern’s politics, her commitment to kindness and unity in the face of tragedy should be recognised and celebrated. We here at the SDC congratulate Jacinda Ardern for all her accomplishments during her six years in office, and we wish her success in all future endeavours. Maybe she should come for a holiday Down Under?

You can watch her full speech below:

​

'We here at the SDC congratulate Jacinda Ardern for all her accomplishments during her six years in office''
But chose to ignore Her failures ..it would seem!!

Guy Hatchard, who lives in New Zealand,had this to say..
Someone has to rise above the mire of our current politics and realise that governments should represent the interests of people. Leadership is about fulfilling the aspirations of your followers, not just telling them what to do.
Ardern, and the whole New Zealand Parliament elected in 2020 will be judged as the worst in our short history as an independent island nation, formerly famous for championing the underdog and offering opportunity to all. Ardern’s resignation lights a bonfire of the excesses of modern democracy. To find a way ahead, at the very least, the New Zealand Bill of Rights needs to be entrenched beyond the reach of power hungry politicians and compliant courts.
Ardern left early to avoid the ignominy of U-turns and election defeat. Leaving open the possibility of political rebirth. The New York Times wrote this morning that Ardern, like Helen Clark, is in line for a global role and a bigger platform.
We live in dread!!
From another source,
Adern's response to high housing prices was Kiwibuild, a (planned) massive new house building project that would build 100,000 homes over ten years. According to the latest released figures, around 1,500 have been built. Last year, Megan Woods, the housing minister, promised a supercharged effort to build 1,000 houses a month. Three months after the announcement, eight were completed or under construction.
This failure has had real, and painful consequences for those areas the prime minister claimed to care about the most. When in opposition, Jacinda Ardern said that ‘kids living in cars…is not a sign of care’. The number of people living in their cars has quadrupled during the past five years.The list goes on. On climate change, transport infrastructure, and even tree planting, the Ardern Government over-promised and under-delivered.
Progressives, who were enthusiastic about Ardern’s child poverty and climate change pledges, have grown disaffected as her government abandoned key promises and failed to successfully implement its flagship house building programme KiwiBuilt.
Guy Hatchard summed it up this way.
On the left, with Labour, the empathy and progressive sense of being in it together begins to pall and people tire of abstract visions and values and focus more shrewdly on fiscal prospects and personal assets.
The backstory to this resignation is a tale of woe. Ardern ( Princess of WOKEness ) said she wants to be remembered as someone who tried to be kind.
The subtext is: the country is in an unprecedented mess but don’t blame me.

 

[Verdexon]

wish her well as a normal citizen with a family to raise but still what has this got to do with bargains, discounts for pensioners or cashed up retirees?

You ask ''what has this got to do with bargains, discounts for pensioners or cashed up retirees?'' Absolutely nothing ..but the Author is obviously a fan of ''Princess WOKE''

 

[Suzanne rose]

I applaud her she was there through Covid and protected her country better than others.
She dealt with a terrorist attack and a volcano disaster.
She seems a very caring and honest lady.
Everyone should give her a standing ovation and applaud her

 

[Luckyus]

I applaud her she was there through Covid and protected her country better than others.
She dealt with a terrorist attack and a volcano disaster.
She seems a very caring and honest lady.
Everyone should give her a standing ovation and applaud her

I question the disaster at White Island as when I was living there in NZ the only people allowed on the island were government authorities it was always ready to go.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I question the disaster at White Island as when I was living there in NZ the only people allowed on the island were government authorities it was always ready to go.

My son inlaw is Maori and he questioned that .

He said she was a great Prime Minister but said alot of Maori didn't like her

 

[Kelpie]

My son inlaw is Maori and he questioned that .

He said she was a great Prime Minister but said alot of Maori didn't like her

From what I have heard, she was told to go or else as the Labour Party was going to be totally destroyed at the next elections. Her popularity over the last 6 months or more was the worst that it has ever been for a NZ Prime Minister and getting worse by the day.

That speaks for itself.

 

[LadyMoonlight]

Good to see she is gone. I bet she was about to get caught with her hand in the cookie jar and retired first. Can't stand that woman, Ms Woke herself. Good riddance. Now, if the Kiwis can get rid of Labour at the next election, the country might stand a chance. Unfortunately, Australia is stuck with Labor for years, but I will be the first to celebrate when Aussies realise what a terrible mistake they made last election with Labor and the Teals, who are not independent, but Greens in disguise.

 

[Maurice_McGahey]

After almost six years in power, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has decided to step down as leader, no later than February 7.

Ardern made the emotional announcement during the Labour Party caucus retreat.

'For me, it's time. I don't have enough in the tank for another four years,' Ardern said.

'I am not leaving because I believe we cannot win the next election, but because I believe we can and will.'

‘I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple.’

We thought it fitting to take a look at her accomplishments and the legacy she leaves behind.

View attachment 12088

Ardern was the youngest female head of government. Image Credit: Shutterstock

While Ardern was widely beloved, she also received unprecedented levels of threats and hate from various groups around the world. She has, however, continued to insist that these threats played no role in her resignation.

Something she leaves New Zealand, and the world, with is a reminder of stepping away gracefully. Sometimes you simply know when you have reached the end of a journey and there’s dignity in removing yourself from a situation on your own terms.

‘I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused...that you can be your own kind of leader, one who knows when it’s time to go.’ Ardern stated.

At the age of 37, Jacinda Ardern captured the world's attention when she was elected as Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017 – making headlines as she became the world’s youngest female leader and only the second in history to give birth while holding office.

During her time as Prime Minister, she earned global respect and admiration for her poise and leadership amid multiple tragedies, particularly the white supremacist terrorist attacks on two mosques in the city of Christchurch in 2019. When Ardern arrived to meet with the survivors shortly after the attacks – wearing a traditional headscarf – the world watched in admiration as she told the Muslim community that New Zealand was ‘united in grief’.

Her response to the 2019 White Island volcano eruption and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic further cemented Ardern’s reputation as a politician of great empathy and strength. Throughout her time in office, she has demonstrated that it is possible to make significant change while treating those impacted with kindness and respect.

Members of the SDC, the power of Ardern’s actions remind us of the importance of remaining compassionate in the midst of difficulty. Despite the challenges faced, Ardern was a leader who remained optimistic yet focused, and her ‘go hard, go early’ approach saw New Zealand faring better with the COVID-19 pandemic than many other nations.

Ardern's focus on tackling gun violence and preventing online hate was just as powerful - she implemented a nationwide ban on semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles and introduced other gun controls within weeks of the Christchurch massacre.

No stranger to online hate herself, Ardern launched a global campaign to end online hate, but still had to deal with backlash from those who opposed her coronavirus-related measures.

During her time in office, she faced growing anger at home from those who opposed her government’s coronavirus-related restrictions; prompting her to abandon the nation’s zero-tolerance pandemic strategy as the number of cases began to rise. And a protest last year that began on parliament’s grounds ended with protesters hurling rocks at police and setting fires to tents and mattresses as they were forced to leave.

Before leaving office, she announced a wide-ranging Royal Commission of Inquiry into the effectiveness of the government’s response to COVID-19 and how it could better prepare for future pandemics. The report is expected next year.

Throughout her term, Ardern also sought to build strong connections with countries like Australia, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as to bring New Zealand onto the international stage.

​

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote: ‘Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength. She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities. Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me.’

Her fiancé, Clarke Gayford, was also present during her resignation announcement.

‘To Neve: mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year. And to Clarke – let’s finally get married.’

Currently, attention turns to the contenders for the role of Labour’s new leader, with speculation over who will be chosen. There is little doubt that, whoever takes the helm, will face tough challenges in the months and years ahead, not just in New Zealand, but also in a world still struggling with the effects of COVID-19 and an international cost of living crisis.

Labour will select their new leader shortly – if everyone is in agreement, the newly chosen leader will then be sworn in and Ardern will step down.

The general election in New Zealand will still be held on October 14.

No matter how you feel about Ardern’s politics, her commitment to kindness and unity in the face of tragedy should be recognised and celebrated. We here at the SDC congratulate Jacinda Ardern for all her accomplishments during her six years in office, and we wish her success in all future endeavours. Maybe she should come for a holiday Down Under?

You can watch her full speech below:

​

Many Kiwis are critical of Jacinda Ardern's failure to deliver on the providing the huge public housing promise that she made when she was first appointed NZ PM. That was an ambitious goal, but a worthy one. I say Jacinda, you achieved so much! But in the end, you are just PM, not God. It is up to OTHER Kiwi's, ESPECIALLY those that have hoarded wealth through real estate speculation, to assist their countrymen in affordable housing. It can be done. It IS being done in the Scandinavian nations. Good wishes for your future.

 

[Maurice_McGahey]

Good to see she is gone. I bet she was about to get caught with her hand in the cookie jar and retired first. Can't stand that woman, Ms Woke herself. Good riddance. Now, if the Kiwis can get rid of Labour at the next election, the country might stand a chance. Unfortunately, Australia is stuck with Labor for years, but I will be the first to celebrate when Aussies realise what a terrible mistake they made last election with Labor and the Teals, who are not independent, but Greens in disguise.

So what you really want is a return to the bad old days of corrupt conservative government, climate change ignorance and policy for the ultra-wealthy and no one else? OK, well that explains you. Now we can all go back to ignoring you and your self centred, greedy childish personality.

 

[Maurice_McGahey]

From what I have heard, she was told to go or else as the Labour Party was going to be totally destroyed at the next elections. Her popularity over the last 6 months or more was the worst that it has ever been for a NZ Prime Minister and getting worse by the day.

That speaks for itself.

A lot of Maori did not like her because she is a Pakeha ... there is no changing that ... any more than there is any point in arguing with a Trump supporter. Some Kiwis have blamed Jacinda Ardern for not delivering on her extremely ambitious public housing promise. The failure in housing the poor is a failure in regulating housing speculation. That problem is more than a half a century in the making and is repeated in many First World nations. When EVERYBODY is speculating on their real estate, it is nearly impossible to legislate within a democratic constitutional environment to solve that problem. Jacinda Ardern was only PM. She wasn't God!

 

[Maurice_McGahey]

You ask ''what has this got to do with bargains, discounts for pensioners or cashed up retirees?'' Absolutely nothing ..but the Author is obviously a fan of ''Princess WOKE''

Isn't it hilarious how so many bitter Aussies call Jacinda Ardern "Princes Woke" ... HEY AUSSIES, the Morrison kleptocracy was defeated in the last election. If the Australian Labor Party win still irks you so much .... SUFFER IN YA JOCKS!

 

[Suzanne rose]

From what I have heard, she was told to go or else as the Labour Party was going to be totally destroyed at the next elections. Her popularity over the last 6 months or more was the worst that it has ever been for a NZ Prime Minister and getting worse by the day.

That speaks for itself.

I think she just didn't have it in her anymore . Maybe that's what affected her performance

 

[Maurice_McGahey]

'We here at the SDC congratulate Jacinda Ardern for all her accomplishments during her six years in office''
But chose to ignore Her failures ..it would seem!!

Guy Hatchard, who lives in New Zealand,had this to say..
Someone has to rise above the mire of our current politics and realise that governments should represent the interests of people. Leadership is about fulfilling the aspirations of your followers, not just telling them what to do.
Ardern, and the whole New Zealand Parliament elected in 2020 will be judged as the worst in our short history as an independent island nation, formerly famous for championing the underdog and offering opportunity to all. Ardern’s resignation lights a bonfire of the excesses of modern democracy. To find a way ahead, at the very least, the New Zealand Bill of Rights needs to be entrenched beyond the reach of power hungry politicians and compliant courts.
Ardern left early to avoid the ignominy of U-turns and election defeat. Leaving open the possibility of political rebirth. The New York Times wrote this morning that Ardern, like Helen Clark, is in line for a global role and a bigger platform.
We live in dread!!
From another source,
Adern's response to high housing prices was Kiwibuild, a (planned) massive new house building project that would build 100,000 homes over ten years. According to the latest released figures, around 1,500 have been built. Last year, Megan Woods, the housing minister, promised a supercharged effort to build 1,000 houses a month. Three months after the announcement, eight were completed or under construction.
This failure has had real, and painful consequences for those areas the prime minister claimed to care about the most. When in opposition, Jacinda Ardern said that ‘kids living in cars…is not a sign of care’. The number of people living in their cars has quadrupled during the past five years.The list goes on. On climate change, transport infrastructure, and even tree planting, the Ardern Government over-promised and under-delivered.
Progressives, who were enthusiastic about Ardern’s child poverty and climate change pledges, have grown disaffected as her government abandoned key promises and failed to successfully implement its flagship house building programme KiwiBuilt.
Guy Hatchard summed it up this way.
On the left, with Labour, the empathy and progressive sense of being in it together begins to pall and people tire of abstract visions and values and focus more shrewdly on fiscal prospects and personal assets.
The backstory to this resignation is a tale of woe. Ardern ( Princess of WOKEness ) said she wants to be remembered as someone who tried to be kind.
The subtext is: the country is in an unprecedented mess but don’t blame me.

"Leadership is about fulfilling the aspirations of your followers, not just telling them what to do."

Actually, quite often, Leadership is all about guiding a group through policy that may be unpopular with some, for the good of all. Covid-19 is an excellent example of this! Small service providers suffered terribly through the Covid-19 pandemic. There is no arguing that. However Jacinda Ardern nor the Labor Government were responsible for that. They formulated policy that protected New Zealanders with nationwide FREE vaccination and isolation rules. As did the states and territory governments within Australia. The wisdom of that policy was proven when compared with the nations that adopted "Let her rip" policy or rather, lack of policy.

"... will be judged as the worst in our short history as an independent island nation, formerly famous for championing the underdog and offering opportunity to all."

This phrase is often used by people who wish to marginalise the "underdog" and believe in opportunity for the few. For instance, how does offering housing for the increasing level of homeless, tie with that phrase? How does the empathy led by and promoted throughout New Zealand for the victims of the Christchurch Mosque and their families tie with it?

"the New Zealand Bill of Rights needs to be entrenched beyond the reach of power hungry politicians and compliant courts."

On this we can agree! The one thing that the USA has that we down here want, is a Bill of Human Rights. I don't think that you are going to get the Bill that you think you will get though. Remember that the US Bill of Rights guaranteed racial integration. It allowed the judicial process to bring environmental vandals (many of them corporations rather than individuals) to justice. Gathering of profit and wealth is not prime over human right to live a productive and healthy life in a protected environment.

"
The New York Times wrote this morning that Ardern, like Helen Clark, is in line for a global role and a bigger platform.
We live in dread!!"

The New York times is probably right! However that would be to New Zealand's loss. The World needs leaders that are committed to their electorate over their own wealth and power. Perhaps Ms Ardern will be offered an ambassadorship. Jacinda has shown that she can charm and impress World leaders as NZ PM.

You then go on to quote "From another source" so I cannot attribute here. Yes, the promise to build 100,000 houses was an ambitious one! But please explain how, if you think that children living in cars (or ANYBODY living homeless) ... is a sign of a functional society in nations as wealthy as New Zealand and Australia. The problem of exorbitant house prices and the resulting widespread homelessness can be traced back to one factor. EVERYBODY is speculating on accommodation real estate. That has led to an environment where the cost of accommodation (including rental) has risen past that which can be sustained by the average working person. Both parents HAVE to work (often multiple jobs) and children which at times need intensive raising attention are left to develop as "latchkey kids". Then the wealthy complain about youth crime! WHAT DID THEY EXPECT!!! You are rich, some children who have missed out on empathy training are poor .... Hand over your wallet mug.

The homeless / concentration of wealth problem is far bigger than can be solved in a couple of terms of government even with the best intentions. Jacinda, you were only PM, not God! Legislating and administrating the largest housing project and reversal of profit culture in a democratic constitutional nation can not be done in less than decades, possibly five or more of them! Everyone who owns a house wants to sell it at a vastly increased price. Houses are no longer a stable place to raise a family over five or more decades. They are a tool to gain wealth. That has to change within the culture of the nation. Australia has the same problem. We have to have a culture of Stable Family Home over Wealth Accruement within our accommodation housing environment. We cannot legislate that. We cannot legislate that some people cannot sell their house for whatever they can get for them. Everytime public housing is built, people with personal agendas lobby against it. Real estate companies want housing to be expensive because their income is determined by how high the prices are. Joe and Jill Average want their house to sell, or at least be valued, at an exorbitant price, because that increases their wealth ... on paper, at least.

So don't blame Jacinda Ardern for your housing problem. You are ALL to blame!

 

[LadyMoonlight]

So what you really want is a return to the bad old days of corrupt conservative government, climate change ignorance and policy for the ultra-wealthy and no one else? OK, well that explains you. Now we can all go back to ignoring you and your self centred, greedy childish personality.

You think Labor governments are'nt corrupt, both in Australia and New Zealand? Lol. As for climate change, that has been happening since Earth was formed and will continue after not a person remains on the planet. Climate change is a fact, but it is not caused by humans...hint...the sun! A volcano erupting sends more pollution into the air than humans have since they have been here, so what is the government going to do, tax the volcano? I grew up in poverty and like my parents I voted Labor, fanatically so, but then, I grew up politically and ran to the right as fast as I could. The Liberal Party in Australia is too left wing for me! If you have any more insults, feel free to post them, after all, as a conservative I believe in free speech.

 

[Kelpie]

Good to see she is gone. I bet she was about to get caught with her hand in the cookie jar and retired first. Can't stand that woman, Ms Woke herself. Good riddance. Now, if the Kiwis can get rid of Labour at the next election, the country might stand a chance. Unfortunately, Australia is stuck with Labor for years, but I will be the first to celebrate when Aussies realise what a terrible mistake they made last election with Labor and the Teals, who are not independent, but Greens in disguise.

For what it was worth, I said all along before the elections that the Teals were like watermelons. Green on the outside and red inside. Now some will begin to realise what they did by putting them in there and give them so much power.
Just look at the prices of power and energy and then tell me. Do they care.?? Of course not, they can afford it and even pass the costs increases on to their own customers. (After all they are professionals people, aren't they not.)??
As for Ardern, well was she suffering from what she laid on the NZ people just the same as them.? DREAM ON.!

 

[Kelpie]

Many Kiwis are critical of Jacinda Ardern's failure to deliver on the providing the huge public housing promise that she made when she was first appointed NZ PM. That was an ambitious goal, but a worthy one. I say Jacinda, you achieved so much! But in the end, you are just PM, not God. It is up to OTHER Kiwi's, ESPECIALLY those that have hoarded wealth through real estate speculation, to assist their countrymen in affordable housing. It can be done. It IS being done in the Scandinavian nations. Good wishes for your future.

The real problem here is that she is just another Politician whom they promise a lot but always fail to keep to them. They are full of lies and deceits because of the glory of being elected to Parliament, and she was finally caught out with that same principle.
DON'T PROMISE TO UNDERTAKE AND COMMIT TO DO SOMETHING WHEN YOU KNOW FULL WELL THAT YOU CAN'T KEEP TO WHAT YOU PROMISED... PERIOD.!!
From what I was told by some Kiwis friends of mine living in NZ, she was told to go and to go in a hurry to save the Party.

 

[Verdexon]

For what it was worth, I said all along before the elections that the Teals were like watermelons. Green on the outside and red inside. Now some will begin to realise what they did by putting them in there and give them so much power.
Just look at the prices of power and energy and then tell me. Do they care.?? Of course not, they can afford it and even pass the costs increases on to their own customers. (After all they are professionals people, aren't they not.)??
As for Ardern, well was she suffering from what she laid on the NZ people just the same as them.? DREAM ON.!

As I said in an earlier post........
Ardern left early to avoid the ignominy of U-turns and election defeat. Leaving open the possibility of political rebirth. The New York Times wrote that Ardern, like Helen Clark, is in line for a global role and a bigger platform.
We live in dread!!