PM reacts to Ardern resignation as world stunned

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has shared more details of what led to her shock resignation.

Jacinda Ardern has revealed misogyny was not the reason she quit as New Zealand Prime Minister, but believes there is “still work to do” for female leaders.

Ms Ardern, 42, stunned Kiwis on Thursday with her announcement she was standing down after five-and-a-half years as prime minister.

Labour MPs will meet on Sunday to elect a new leader — if 75 per cent of caucus can’t agree, a vote will go to the wider membership. A new prime minister will be in place by February 7 at the latest.

Speaking to media on Friday, Ms Ardern, 42, said women could take on leadership roles in a way that was different to the past.

Women can be in leadership positions and “have a family”, she said.

“Is there more work to do? Yes, but that was not the cause for my departure,” she said, noting the “incredible support” she’d had as prime minister despite “difficult moments”.

Ms Ardern said she was experiencing a range of emotions, including sadness and “a sense of relief”.

“I slept well for the first time in a long time,” she told reporters.

She said she was “humbled” by the tributes that had poured in. “To have those messages of gratitude has been really moving for me and for my family.”

A snap election was never on her mind as an alternative to standing down.

“Elections are incredibly disruptive. There was no need for one in this case,” she said.

New Zealanders will go to the polls on October 14. Labour has been lagging its conservative rival National in recent months, as cost of living concerns exploded with soaring interest rates and inflation.

NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces her resignation at the War Memorial Centre in Napier, New Zealand. Picture: Getty Images

ARDERN QUITS: “IT’S TIME’

Despite Labour’s achievements while in power, Ms Ardern no longer felt she was the best person to lead the ruling Labour Party.

“For me, it’s time,” she said.

“I just don’t have enough in the tank for another four years.”

Ms Ardern said she would stay on as an electorate MP until April.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with her partner, Clarke Gayford. Picture: Getty Images

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

An emotional Ms Ardern said she would focus on helping caucus through the next steps as they chose her replacement.

Asked how she would like to be remembered, Ms Ardern replied: “As someone who always tried to be kind.”

She said she wanted to spend more time with her family.

Jacinda Ardern makes her emotional resignation speech. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m looking forward to spending time with my family once again. Arguably, they’re the ones who have sacrificed the most,” she said.

Her partner Clarke Gayford, the father of her four-year-old daughter Neve, sat in the front row during her announcement.

“To Clark, let’s finally get married,” Ms Ardern said.

Jacinda Ardern with her daughter Neve. Picture: Getty

NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last July. Picture: Getty

The pair cancelled their wedding in January 2022 due to New Zealand’s tough Covid-19 restrictions.

Ms Ardern said she would not be able to continue for another term.

“I know there’ll be much discussion in the aftermath of this decision as to what the so called ‘real reason’ was,” she said.

“Politicians are human. We do all that we can for as long as we can and then, it’s time. It’s time.”

Jacinda Ardern’s resignation has stunned the world. Picture: Getty

The Labour caucus will vote on a new leader in three days, after which Ms Ardern will step down. Her deputy Grant Robertson will not stand as leader.

Anthony Albanese praised Ms Arden, describing her as a “powerful leader” who led with “intellect and strength”.

“She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities,” Mr Albanese said.

Jacinda Ardern meets US President Joe Biden at the White House last May. Picture: AFP

“Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many, and a great friend to me.

“I look forward to working with the next prime minister of New Zealand, and I wish Jacinda Ardern and her family well in the next chapter of their lives.”

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said Ms Ardern had been an “outspoken leader” for New Zealand on the international stage, guided by “a powerful combination of insight, strength and compassion”.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Ms Ardern led with “a kindness which came to define her prime ministership”.

Originally published as PM reacts to Ardern resignation as world stunned