Jacinda Ardern delivers emotional farewell speech
Jacinda Ardern stepped down from her position as New Zealand’s prime minister and delivered her final speech in parliament on Wednesday.
In her final address to the country, Ardern reflected on the “privilege and responsibility” that comes with being prime minister, and shared both her political achievements and battles she faced during her career.
“It was a cross between a sense of duty to steer a moving freight train... and being hit by one,” she described her first entry into politics.
“And that's probably because my internal reluctance to lead was matched only by a huge sense of responsibility,” she added.
She then shared the reasons why she got into politics in the first place, before reflecting on the events that have defined her legacy.
“The reasons I came here … they’re all there in my maiden speech – climate change, child poverty, inequality. I am, after all, a conviction-based politician,” she said.
In her speech, she also asked the parliament to “please take the politics out of climate change,” and mentioned that it is a “crisis” that is upon us.
Ardern proceeded to reflect on her time as prime minister, where she faced many challenges including navigating natural disasters, the pandemic, and the Christchurch massacre, which had left her “bereft”.
She added that during these series of events she found herself “in people’s lives during their most grief-stricken or traumatic moments.”
Ardern’s voice was thick with emotion as she recalled meeting the survivors of the mosque terror attacks.
“Having sadly seen our nation in horrific moments of grief, I've concluded that countries don't move on from tragedy, rather they become part of your psyche,” she said.
Ardern ended her speech with the hope that leaders shouldn’t be afraid to be kind and sensitive, as they can also be hallmarks of good leadership.
“I cannot determine what will define my time in this place, but I do hope I've demonstrated something else entirely - that you can be anxious, sensitive, kind and wear your heart on your sleeve,” she said.
Ardern left to thunderous applause and a standing ovation, as members of the parliament sang traditional Māori songs.
Image: Getty