Released in 2020, this biography of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, by award winning journalist Madeleine Chapman, was an immediate best seller. Ardern had crafted an unlikely election win in 2017 to became the world's youngest female head of government at age 37. She gave birth to her daughter on 21 June 2018, making her the world's second elected head of government to give birth while in office (after Benazir Bhutto).
Her government faced challenges from the New Zealand housing crisis, child poverty, and social inequality. In March 2019, in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque shootings, Ardern reacted by rapidly introducing strict gun laws, winning her wide recognition. Throughout 2020 she led New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, for which she won praise for New Zealand being one of the few Western nations to successfully contain the virus. It is estimated that her government's actions saved as many as 80,000 lives.
Ardern moved the Labour Party further to the centre towards the October 2020 general election, promising to cut spending during the remainder of the COVID-19 recession. She led the Labour Party to a landslide victory, gaining an overall majority of 65 seats in Parliament, the first time a majority government had been formed since the introduction of a proportional representation system in 1996.
On 19 January 2023, Ardern announced she would resign as Labour leader. Following the unopposed election of Chris Hipkins as her successor, she resigned as leader of the Labour Party on 22 January and submitted her resignation as prime minister to the governor-general on 25 January. She cited a desire to spend more time with her partner and daughter and an inability to commit to another four years. Speaking to the press during the caucus retreat as she announced her resignation plan, Ardern said, "I know what this job takes and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It is that simple. We need a fresh set of shoulders for that challenge."
It was a whirlwind 6 years. It is fair to say that she was perhaps the most admired world leader throughout this period. I know that here in Australia, the comparison could not have been greater between our toxic conservative Government and Ardern.
This biography is an interesting study on Ardern. Not a large tome, it is eminently readable and gives good insight into this world leader. From her rural upbringing that shaped much of her life, her journey to the world stage is clearly detailed. The book paints an overwhelmingly positive picture of her, but then I think that is a fair reflection on who she actually is.
We wait to see what is next for this wonderful New Zealander.
Definitely worth a read.
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