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Jacinda Ardern gives the world a lesson in humility

Her leadership stood in such stark contrast to many of her boorish male counterparts, and represented a different kind of politics.

    • New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern leaving with longtime partner Clarke Gayford following the announcement of her resignation at the War Memorial Hall, in Napier on Jan 19.
    • New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern leaving with longtime partner Clarke Gayford following the announcement of her resignation at the War Memorial Hall, in Napier on Jan 19. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Published Thu, Jan 19, 2023 · 02:33 PM

    JACINDA Ardern announced her decision to step down as New Zealand Prime Minister showing her characteristic modesty.

    “I have given my absolute all to being prime minister but it has also taken a lot out of me,” she said on Thursday (Jan 19). “You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along.”

    Here was a highly regarded — at home and on the world stage — and astute female politician vacating the top job on her own terms. The move was greeted with universal shock.

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