Jacinda Ardern’s next job is revealed as her successor as New Zealand Prime Minister with a bold new plan
- Jacinda Ardern could get an international role
- Ex-premier of NZ has appeal abroad
- She will probably work for Christchurch Call
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has hinted at a possible job for former leader Jacinda Ardern on her main foreign policy endeavours.
During her five-year premiership, Ms Ardern initiated the Christchurch Call with French President Emanuel Macron, a unique partnership between more than 120 countries and major technology companies to eradicate online extremism.
The Call was created in the aftermath of the terror attacks on mosques in Christchurch, which took place on March 15, 2019 – four years ago on Wednesday.
At his weekly post-cabinet press conference, Mr. Hipkins came up with the idea that Ms. Ardern could maintain her interest in the Call beyond her political career.
“(The Call) remains one of our international priorities,” he said.
“New Zealand is considered to have taken on a very positive role as a global leader there, and I want to make sure we continue that.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has hinted at a potential job for former leader Jacinda Ardern (pictured, with partner Clarke Gayford) on her key foreign policy endeavours.
The Christchurch Call was created in the wake of the terror attacks on the city’s mosques, which took place on 15 March 2019 – four years ago on Wednesday (pictured, Ms Ardern hugs a woman as she arrives at Kilbirnie Mosque two days later in Wellington). New Zealand’s worst mass shooting in its history)
“There is an opportunity for Jacinda Ardern to stay involved in that work, and in due course we will explore what that might look like.”
Ms Ardern has not given any interviews and has kept a low profile since her shock departure as Prime Minister, announced on January 19.
She was spotted in the hard-hit town of Hastings in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, helping to make food parcels at a community centre.
A spokesperson for Ms Ardern told AAP: “We are not commenting on the future plans of the former Prime Minister at this time.”
The two-time electoral winner will make her farewell statement next month and will leave parliament on April 15.
Ms Ardern’s incredible appeal abroad has led to suggestions that she take on an ambassadorial position when she leaves politics, or take up international office (pictured left, the former New Zealand leader in New York last September with the French President Emmanuel Macron)
Ms Ardern’s incredible appeal abroad has led to many suggestions that she could take up an ambassadorial post when she leaves politics, or take up an international position.
Deputy Opposition Leader Nicola Willis, who replaces her COVID-stricken leader Chris Luxon, said that idea was meritorious.
“I am very curious to see what Prime Minister Ardern plans to do after politics,” she said.
“If that means being an ambassador for New Zealand on the world stage in a way that furthers our country’s interests, I think (the) National (party) will support that.”