New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern says kindness the way to win hearts in politics

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has told a Melbourne audience that in a global political climate of fear, she has a deep faith in humanity and a determination to pursue a different path.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture: Getty

Politicians needed to act with fairness, guardianship and kindness to overcome the rising tide of public suspicion about them, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in an address at Melbourne Town Hall last night.

“Politics can be a place for change, disruption, and a force for good,” she said.

She received a standing ovation from the 2000-strong crowd.

Ms Ardern said there was fear even before the Christchurch massacre against Muslims.

She said leaders could politically benefit from fear, or run a counter narrative of love and understanding.

“I see hope every day, I am an absolute optimist,” Ms Ardern said in her keynote speech.

“I have a deep faith in humanity.”

Jacinda Ardern, her partner Clarke Gayford, Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau and her husband Anthony Howard. Picture: AAP

Ms Ardern deflected questions as to whether US president Donald Trump had responded to her request to love Muslims in the wake of the terrorist attack.

Before her speech, Ms Ardern spoke in Maori and acknowledged the local Wurundjeri tribe.

She said the world was affected by fake news and fragmented interest groups.

“It’s an environment made for shock politics,” she said.

She said democratic institutions were under threat, amid a rise of nationalist sentiment and authoritarian regimes.

“People believe, rightly or wrongly, that leaders are failing them,” she said.

“Fear and blame is an easy political out.”

Ms Ardern said NZ was trying a different approach through its “wellbeing” budget.

Earlier in the day Ms Ardern met with Premier Daniel Andrews to discuss the innovative budget.

The world-first initiative includes billions of dollars for mental health services, as well as tackling family violence and child poverty.

Mr Andrews said the pair had a common interest in dealing with those issues, as Victoria’s mental health royal commission begins its work.

In a brief media appearance, she said she had held a series of “very useful” meetings including with leading investors.

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Lord Mayor Sally Capp said before the speech that Melbourne took inspiration from leaders like Ms Ardern as the city was on its way to be the nation’s biggest.

“We must grow our communities with great care and thought,” she said.

“We look to role models like Jacinda Ardern to inspire that kind of leadership.

“The New Zealand Prime Minister is so well loved by our community, she’s even been enshrined in Melbourne’s street art. There’s no higher honour.”

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