By: Jasmine Netzler – Iose
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has tendered her resignation which is expected to go into effect in three days, says an official Government Press Statement.
She is also stepping down as Leader of the Labour Party effective at the appointment of her successor in the next 3 days.
Ardern will however remain the MP for Mt Albert through till April ruling out a by-election before General Election in October 14 this year, as prescribed by New Zealand Election Laws.
According to the information on the Government’s website ‘a caucus vote to elect a new Party Leader will occur in 3 days’ time on Sunday the 22nd of January’.
Ardern is quoted saying that being Prime Minister has been the greatest honour of her life.She thanked the people of New Zealand for the enormous privilege of leading the country since being elected to the role.
“With holding such a privileged role comes responsibility, including the responsibility to know when you’re the right person to lead, and also when you’re not.”
The Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party says that she has given the position her ‘absolute all’ but ‘it has taken a lot out of me’.“
You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along.”
And reflecting over the summer Ardern says she no longer has that bit extra in the tank to do the job justice.
She has already taken the matter up with the Governor-General to inform of her decision. NZ Prime Minister resigns New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Prime Minister Fiame Mataafa in Wellington.
“In addition to our ambitious agenda that has sought to address long term issues like the housing crisis, child poverty and climate change, we also had to respond to a major biosecurity incursion, a domestic terror attack, a volcanic eruption and a one in one-hundred-year global pandemic and ensuing economic crisis,” she says.
“The decisions that had to be made have been constant and weighty” but otherwise is proud of the achievements since stepping in to take over the reins.”
In respect to her party the PM says the Labour team is incredibly well place to contest the next election.
“They are the most experienced team in the country and have shown they have the skills necessary to respond to whatever comes their way.
”She made clear however she was not leaving because she doesn’t not believe they win come back in the next election.“
But I believe Labour can and will win it. We need a fresh of shoulders for the challenges of both this year and the next three.”
In respect to her time in the job she hopes to leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused. And that you can be your own kind of leader – one who knows when it’s time to go,” Jacinda Ardern said.
PHOTO: New Zealand Government
