New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hugs her fiancee Clark Gayford.Credit:NZ Herald/AP
“The cumulative challenges that we’ve faced as a team – and they have been extraordinary – has taken its toll,” she said.
“The decisions that have had to be made have been continual and they have been weighty ... there’s never really been a moment where it never felt like we were just governing.
“But I am not leaving because it was hard. If that was the case I probably would have departed two months into the job.
“I’m leaving because with such a privileged role comes responsibility.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hugs a mosque-goer at the Kilbirnie Mosque in Wellington in 2019 following the Christchurch massacre. Her response to the attack was lauded around the world.Credit:Getty
“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 had enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple.”
Ardern’s departure dramatically re-casts the election race.
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In her last act as prime minister,she named October 14 as the election day,when Labour will attempt to win a third term in government.
Ardern insisted her departure would not destabilise Labour and her announcement was made with the party in mind.
“Every political leader has to reflect on the transitions that need to be made,” she said.
“It’s about knowing when you’ve got what it takes and what is needed to lead but also having the courage to know when you don’t.
“There’s no doubt this is a big change but I also absolutely believe that we have the capability and our team to continue to carry New Zealand forward.”
AAP
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