Jacinda Ardern’s next job is revealed to be her successor when New Zealand’s Prime Minister presents a bold new plan.
- Jacinda Ardern could land an international role
- Former New Zealand PM has overseas appeal
- Will probably work for Christchurch Call
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has hinted at a possible job for former leader Jacinda Ardern in his flagship foreign policy effort.
During her five-year term as Prime Minister, Ms. Ardern established the Christchurch Call with French President Emanuel Macron, a unique alliance between more than 120 countries and leading technology companies to eliminate extremism online.
The Call was founded in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on Christchurch mosques, which occurred on Wednesday March 15, 2019, four years ago.
In his weekly post-Cabinet press conference, Hipkins floated the idea that Ardern might maintain his interest in the Call beyond his political career.
“(The Call) continues to be one of our international priorities,” he said.
‘New Zealand is seen as having taken a really positive global leadership role there, and I want to make sure we’re achieving that.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has hinted at a possible job for former leader Jacinda Ardern (pictured with partner Clarke Gayford) in his flagship foreign policy effort.
Christchurch Call was founded in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the city’s mosques, which occurred on Wednesday 15 March 2019, four years ago (pictured, Ms Ardern hugs a woman as she arrives at Kilbirnie Mosque in Wellington two days after New Zealand’s worst mass shooting in its history)
“There is potential for Jacinda Ardern to continue to be involved in that work and, in due course, we will explore what that might look like.”
Ardern has not given interviews and has kept a low profile since her surprise departure as prime minister, announced on January 19.
She was seen in the hard-hit town of Hastings after Cyclone Gabrielle, helping to create food parcels at a community centre.
A spokesperson for Ms Ardern told AAP: “We are not commenting on the former prime minister’s future plans at this time.”
The two-time election winner is due to give her farewell statement next month and will leave parliament on April 15.
Ms Ardern’s incredible appeal abroad has led to suggestions that she could take up an ambassadorial role when she leaves politics, or take up an international role (pictured left, the former New Zealand leader in New York in last September with French President Emmanuel Macron)
Ms Ardern’s incredible appeal abroad has led to many suggestions that she could take up an ambassadorial role when she leaves politics or take up an international role.
Deputy Opposition Leader Nicola Willis, taking over for her COVID-stricken leader Chris Luxon, said the idea had merit.
“I will be very interested to see what Prime Minister Ardern intends to do after the policy,” she said.
“If that includes being New Zealand’s ambassador on the world stage in a way that advances our country’s interests, then I think National will support that.”