Jacinda Ardern makes final address as prime minister before Chris Hipkins replaces New Zealand PM

Jacinda Ardern donned traditional Maori dress as she delivered an emotional final speech as New Zealand Prime Minister.

Ms Ardern said Tuesday she was “ready to be a sister and a mother” as she prepares to step down from her role as the country’s leader.

She described his successor, Chris Hipkins, as a “pleasant, down-to-earth and practical” man and encouraged New Zealanders to call him by his pet name.

‘You know me as “Auntie”, I hope you know him as “Chippy” (his nickname in parliament). He is personable, down to earth and handy with tools,” she said.

Ms Ardern said Tuesday she was “ready to be a sister and a mother” as she prepared to step down from her role as the country’s leader.

Ardern will address Government House on Wednesday morning to resign his post, and Hipkins will be sworn in as prime minister soon after.

The pair spent Tuesday together, traveling to Ratana Pa for Ardern’s last public event as New Zealand leader.

The meeting place was particularly moving for the outgoing prime minister, as it was the same place where she announced her pregnancy four years ago.

Ms Ardern said the Kiwis would still see her, but not in public debates.

You won’t find me commenting on domestic politics. I’ve had my time,’ she said.

‘I am ready to be many things. I’m ready to be a backbench parliamentarian. I’m ready to be a sister and a mother.’

Ms Ardern shocked Kiwis and much of her party last Thursday when she announced her resignation at Labor’s start-of-year retreat in Napier.

He described his successor, Chris Hipkins, as a “pleasant, down-to-earth, down-to-earth” man and encouraged residents to call him by his pet name.

The meeting place was particularly moving for the outgoing prime minister, as it was the same place where she announced her pregnancy four years ago.

After Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson refused to run for Labor leadership, the party quickly backed Hipkins, the lone candidate in a leadership vote that closed on Saturday.

It has since emerged that Ardern warned close colleagues, including Robertson and Hipkins, that around Christmas last year she was exhausted and would spend the summer considering a surprising exit.

Hipkins said he learned of Ardern’s final decision shortly before she announced it last week.

Ms Ardern will head to the back bench for three months, resigning her seat in April ahead of the October 14 election.

The 42-year-old’s departure also sparked speculation that she would leave due to the weight of abuse and threats towards her office, something Ms Ardern denies.

“I would hate for anyone to see my departure as a negative comment on New Zealand,” he said.

‘I have experienced so much love, compassion, empathy and kindness when I have been in this job.

‘That has been my predominant experience. I leave feeling gratitude for having this wonderful role.’

Ms Ardern shocked Kiwis and much of her party last Thursday when she announced her resignation at Labor’s early-year retreat in Napier.

Mr Hipkins refused to share any advice Ms Ardern offered him during their van ride from Wellington together.

Mrs. Ardern said there was a court message.

‘You do,’ he said, encouraging Mr. Hipkins to go his own way.

“It’s up to him to carve out his own space, be his own kind of leader… this is now for him.”

The annual mission to Ratana Pa, a town in the Whanganui region, is a unique part of the New Zealand calendar.

Politicians are invited to address the leaders of the Ratana Church, a Maori branch of Christianity, during the three-day festivities each year.

The church has ties to Labor dating back to a pact with Michael Joseph Savage, the party’s first prime minister.

Leaders applauded and sang Ms Ardern’s praises during a powhiri, or welcoming ceremony, rich with pomp and Maori waiata, or song.

Ms. Ardern closed the event with a short thank you speech.

‘I leave with a greater love and affection for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand than when I started. And I didn’t think that was possible,” she said.