New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern to step down as prime minister

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces her resignation in Napier, New Zealand, on Thursday. Photo: Kerry Marshall/Getty Images

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will step down as leader on Feb. 7 and the country will hold an election on Oct. 14, she abruptly announced on Thursday.

Why it matters: Ardern rose to global prominence for her response to the country’s worst mass shooting, the 2019 terrorist attack on two Christchurch mosques, after which she led Parliament in passing sweeping gun control measures. She was also praised for her leadership during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yes, but: While her popularity has waned, Ardern has consistently remained the country’s preferred prime minister in polling against National leader Christopher Luxon.

What she’s saying: “Being prime minister has been the greatest honour of my life and I want to thank New Zealanders for the enormous privilege of leading the country for the last five and a half years,” said Ardern, who confirmed she would not seek re-election.

What’s next: The Labour caucus will vote for a new leader this Sunday. If no candidate receives two-thirds support, the leadership contest will go to the wider Labour membership. Ardern has recommended the process conclude by Feb. 7 and she plans to remain a member of Parliament until April.

Flashback: Ardern and her fishing-show host partner, Clarke Gayford, in January 2022 canceled their planned wedding due to COVID restrictions — all of which were lifted later in the year after a major vaccination drive to get 90% of eligible New Zealanders vaccinated against the virus, which included vaccine mandates.

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Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional details throughout.