Politics & Law
A legendary life
Jacinda Ardern
Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern
Born July 26, 1980
Former New Zealand prime minister recognized for crisis leadership and reforms following the Christchurch terrorist attacks.
Her story
A life that changed history
Jacinda Ardern served as prime minister of New Zealand from October 2017 to January 2023, taking office at age 37 as the country's youngest prime minister in more than 150 years. Her government enacted rapid firearms reforms after the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks and led New Zealand through the early COVID-19 pandemic.
“They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand.”
Statement on the Christchurch terrorist attack, March 15, 2019