Jacinda's Out Why She's Really Done With Politics

'They Don't Need Me': Jacinda Ardern on Life After Politics

It's been just over two years since Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, made the surprising decision to step down from her leadership role. After navigating a series of unprecedented challenges, including the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attacks, a devastating volcanic eruption, and the global COVID-19 pandemic, all while embracing motherhood, Ardern is now embracing a new chapter in her life.

Currently residing in Boston as a fellow at Harvard University, Ardern is embarking on a period of reflection. This introspection is perfectly timed with the release of her memoir, "A Different Kind of Power," and a recently premiered documentary at the Sundance Film Festival, both offering insights into her remarkable tenure as Prime Minister.

Ahead of her book's official release on Tuesday, Ardern sat down with CBS’ “Sunday Morning” to discuss her past, present, and future. And one thing is abundantly clear: she's closed the door on a return to New Zealand politics.

'In this case, say never'

When CBS’ Robert Costa inquired about a potential political comeback, Ardern responded with unwavering certainty:

“No, I think if you make the decision to leave, then you’ve made the decision to leave,” she stated firmly.

Despite Costa's playful suggestion, referencing figures like Winston Churchill who returned to power, Ardern remained resolute.

“In this case, say never,” Ardern affirmed with a smile. “I think also, for me, I have such great faith in all the people that I worked with and was lucky enough to work with. They’re wonderful. They’re doing a great job, and they don’t need me.”

Having distanced herself from the intense pressures of political life, Ardern expresses genuine enjoyment in her current life in the United States, cherishing the opportunity to live a more "normal family" life.

Ardern also reflected on her conscious effort to lead with empathy and kindness – an approach that drew both admiration and criticism during her time in office.

"That principle of kindness, it’s something we teach our kids, why shouldn’t we role model that in the way that we conduct ourselves in politics?" Ardern reflected on “Sunday Morning.”

"There are different ways to lead, but I hope you also see that some of those character traits that we perhaps bring to leadership that we might believe to be weaknesses — imposter syndrome, or even empathy — actually are incredible strengths," she added.

Why did Jacinda Ardern resign as New Zealand Prime Minister?

The documentary “Prime Minister,” which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, paints a picture of Ardern as a “reluctant prime minister.” The film explores her initial apprehension about shouldering such immense responsibility.

However, she embraced the role with determination and, over five years, championed vital issues, including:

• Gun control
• Climate change
• Child poverty reduction
• Raised minimum wage
• Paid parental leave
• Mental health initiatives

Despite widespread support, the relentless series of crises ultimately took a toll, leading to her surprising resignation.

Toward the end of “Prime Minister,” Ardern muses about whether she had subconsciously been planning her exit all along.

At the time of her resignation in early 2023, her popularity had waned, and the political landscape in New Zealand was becoming increasingly polarized, particularly surrounding COVID-19 mandates. Ardern believed that her departure might help de-escalate the situation and protect her achievements from being undone.

Clarke Gayford and Jacinda Ardern at the Sundance premiere of "Prime Minister." | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Ardern stands firmly behind her handling of the pandemic, asserting that she prefers to be criticized for doing too much rather than too little.

"Save people’s lives and keep everyone together,” she said of her responsibilities. “I did one, but I didn’t quite manage to do the other.”

Since stepping down, Ardern has married her partner, TV broadcaster Clarke Gayford, and taken on the dual fellowship at Harvard.

Now, with politics firmly in her rearview mirror, Jacinda Ardern is committed to spreading a message of compassion and optimism, a consistent theme in both her documentary and her forthcoming memoir.

“Optimism is a courageous act,” she proclaimed during her Sundance Film Festival appearance. “It’s not passive, you have to keep fighting for it. ... You have to act on its behalf. Please maintain the courage of optimism, we need it now more than ever.”

Jacinda Ardern's journey continues, not on the political stage, but as an advocate for kindness, empathy, and unwavering hope in a world that desperately needs it.

Tags: Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand, Prime Minister, Memoir, Politics, Harvard, Sundance, Book release, Documentary, A Different Kind of Power

Source: https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/06/03/jacinda-ardern-what-is-she-doing-now/