News of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s resignation today comes as a shock, but her reasons for doing so are far from surprising.
And for many, her reasons are very much relatable.
Ardern said she has “nothing left in the tank”. Her comments were frank and honest, and demonstrated something that very few before her and very few in similar positions all over the world are willing to do — let go of power when they realise they can no longer give everything they can give.
She made the announcement on Thursday morning at the Labour party’s caucus meeting, saying that her reason for standing down is “simple” and that her term will end before the upcoming election.
“I’m leaving, because with such a privileged role comes responsibility. The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not. 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,” she said.
“I am human, politicians are human. We give all that we can for as long as we can. And then it’s time. And for me, it’s time,” she said.
Ardern said she came the conclusion over the break, after considering how much left she had to give and realising she did not have enough for what the role required.
Ardern told reporters today that every political leader has to reflect on the transitions to be made, and know in themselves.
“It’s about knowing when you’ve got what it takes and what is needed to lead, but also have the courage to know when you don’t.”
She said she had hoped over the break she would find what was needed to continue on but concluded that she did not, “I would be doing a disservice to New Zealand to continue.
She has taken that courageous step in stepping down, and now says she wants to make the transition as smooth as possible.
There’s no doubt this is a big change but I also absolutely believe we have the capability in our team to continue to carry New Zealand.
Ardern was due to go to the polls this year. She’s been in the top job since 2017, when at age 37 she became the world’s youngest female head of state. Her time has been trailblazing to say the least, internationally she’s demonstrated how a young woman and new mother can actively lead at the highest level: through pregnancy, while breastfeeding and as the mother of a young child.
She has also demonstrated the power of empathy and kindness during her time, always aiming to deliver on both when making tough decisions, internationally and domestically.
However, she’s also faced significant sexism and even numerous threats to her safety during her time.
It’s telling today that when reporters asked how she’d like her leadership to be remembered, she said “as someone who always tried to be kind.”
“I hope I 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,” Ardern said today.
And she did all of that. Not only for New Zealanders, but also for Australians and the rest of the world.
As Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said following the news today: “She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities.”