NZCPR Newsletter: The Ardern Legacy

Appointed as New Zealand’s Prime Minister in 2017, Jacinda Ardern has been described as an iron fist in a velvet glove. She wooed the world with talk of kindness and compassion, while at home ruling like a dictator. No friend of free speech, she had little regard for public opinion and no respect for those with a contrary view.

Using her unmandated ‘Captain’s Calls’, she has destroyed lives, undermined our democracy, and deeply divided our society.

Alistair Boyce: Let's Just Call it Like it Is...

There should be no celebration.

There should be an overwhelming sense of relief.

Jacinda Ardern has done the right thing by herself, her family and finally the people of New Zealand.

In just over a year, we have witnessed the disintegration of a leader whose 2020 tenure of absolute electoral driven power started with overwhelming public support, gratitude and reverence but descended into a myopic and confused authoritarian rule. We have graphically endured a lesson of incoherent government and state overreach which has been on a march of portentous marginalisation through the private sector. It has elevated a ballooning and unproductive state sector of ‘bourgeois’ excess.

Tom Dillane: Former National PM Jim Bolger says Ardern set for high-profile global roles

Former National prime minister Jim Bolger has offered insight into the opportunities on the world stage Jacinda Ardern will be presented with after her resignation - but he was adamant none will rival the stress of being PM.

Bolger, now 87, was prime minister from 1990 to 1997 and said Ardern will definitely be approached with offers similar to what he received, including ambassadorships and chairing international companies.