Tasks: The System of Government in New Zealand

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern (1980–) became the 40th prime minister of New Zealand when she was elected in 2017. Ardern is the leader of the Labour Party. From 2017–2020 she led a coalition government of the Labour Party, and New Zealand First. The coalition government was supported by the Green Party. In the 2020 general election, the Labour Party won a majority in Parliament.

Ardern grew up in Morrinsville and Murupara, small towns located on New Zealand’s North Island. Ardern was interested in politics from a young age, and got involved in the student council. In 2008, she became president of the International Union of Socialist Youth, a role that allowed her to visit a number of countries around the world.

Before the election in 2017, the leader of the Labour Party, Andre Little, stepped down after an opinion poll showed record-low support for the Labour Party. Ardern took over as leader. She presented herself as a down-to-earth person who was honest, had integrity, and who believed in what Labour could accomplish in government. In just a few short weeks, Ardern was able to secure considerable support for Labour, increasing Labour’s representation in Parliament from 32 seats to 46. This was a big win for Labour, but the National Party was still the largest party in parliament. New Zealand First had to choose who they would cooperate with – did they want to maintain the status quo and cooperate with the National Party or cooperate with Labour to try a new direction for the country? After negotiations, the decision was for change. Jacinda Ardern, who on many occasions has said she did not want to become prime minister, got the important job.

Ardern received a lot of acclaim, both nationally and internationally, for the way she handled the Christchurch Mosque Shootings in 2019. Less than one month after the attack, the New Zealand Parliament passed a law that bans most semiautomatic weapons and assault rifles, parts that convert guns into semiautomatic guns, and higher capacity magazines. Ardern has also won supporters for the way she governed New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic, imposing strict travel restrictions and lockdown rules. Many also admire Ardern for the way she has combined the role of prime minister with being a mother to a young child; she gave birth to her first child, a daughter, in 2018.

Labour focuses on introducing important legislation to safeguard social security. One of Ardern’s stated goals has been to end child poverty. Ardern has also taken a clear stand on climate change, declaring a climate emergency in 2020 and pledging that New Zealand will become carbon neutral by 2025.

1. How important is it for a politician to seem honest and straight talking in today’s political world?

2. Do you think Jacinda Ardern is a good role model? Give reasons for your answer.

3. Why do you think that Ardern has become so popular internationally?

4. New Zealand has a general election every three years. What do you think Labour must focus on if they are to keep their majority and stay in government?

5. Find out more about Jacinda Ardern and the Labour party’s policies. Make a fact sheet.