Jacinda Ardern: Former NZ PM’s Move to Australia – News & Updates
Sydney, Australia – Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has relocated to Australia with her family, a spokesperson confirmed on . The move follows speculation in recent days regarding her potential plans after leaving office in .
According to a statement released to the Guardian, Ardern and her family have been travelling for the past few years and are now “basing themselves out of Australia” due to work opportunities and the benefit of increased travel back to New Zealand. The statement did not specify the nature of her work.
Reports in Australian media earlier this week indicated that Ardern, her husband Clarke Gayford, and their seven-year-old daughter, Neve, had been viewing properties in Sydney’s northern beaches. This fuelled speculation about a more permanent move across the Tasman Sea.
Ardern’s decision to live and work in Australia comes as New Zealand experiences a significant outflow of citizens, with over 60% of those emigrating choosing Australia as their destination. This trend is linked to economic factors, including a comparatively weaker New Zealand economy, high living costs, and elevated unemployment rates. Average weekly incomes are notably higher in Australia, and New Zealand citizens benefit from existing work and residency rights there.
The move is likely to resonate within New Zealand, given the current economic climate and the ongoing ‘brain drain’ to Australia. While the spokesperson emphasized that it is not unusual for former leaders to spend time overseas after leaving office, Ardern’s high profile ensures that her relocation will attract considerable attention.
Ardern served as New Zealand’s 40th Prime Minister from , to . She gained international recognition as the world’s youngest female head of government at the age of 37 and for her compassionate leadership style, particularly in the wake of the , Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. She also made history as the second woman to give birth while holding elected office.
The circumstances surrounding Ardern’s departure from New Zealand politics were marked by a sense of exhaustion and a desire to spend more time with her family. She publicly acknowledged the toll that the demands of high office had taken on her well-being.
Since leaving office, Ardern has taken on several international roles, including positions with the Charles & Melinda Gates Foundation and as a special envoy for the Christchurch Call, an initiative aimed at combating online extremism. Her current work in Australia is not yet public, but her spokesperson indicated it is a significant factor in the family’s decision to establish a base in the country.
A small town mayor in Australia recently expressed excitement over a chance encounter with Ardern, highlighting the continued international interest in the former Prime Minister. The encounter, reported by Stuff, underscores Ardern’s enduring public profile even after stepping down from her role as New Zealand’s leader.
The relocation of a prominent figure like Ardern further emphasizes the growing trend of New Zealanders seeking opportunities in Australia. While the economic factors driving this exodus are complex, the appeal of higher wages and greater employment prospects across the Tasman Sea remains a powerful draw.
It remains to be seen what Ardern’s long-term plans are, but her decision to base herself in Australia signals a new chapter in her career and life. Her presence in Australia is likely to further strengthen the already close ties between the two countries, both economically and culturally.