Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner, Clarke Gayford, have today announced that they are expecting their first child in June.
'We're both really happy. We wanted a family but weren't sure it would happen for us, which has made this news unexpected but exciting.
'Yesterday I met with Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, to share the news and to ask him to take on the role of Acting Prime Minister for a period of 6 weeks after our baby is born.
'As is the case when I am overseas, Mr Peters will act as Prime Minister, working with my office while staying in touch with me. I fully intend to be contactable and available throughout the six week period when needed.
'Mr Peters and I have a great relationship, and I know that together we'll make this period work. I will make arrangements for appropriate Ministers to act in my other portfolios over the six weeks I am away from Parliament.
'At the end of my leave I will resume all Prime Ministerial duties.
'Clarke and I are privileged to be in the position where Clarke can stay home to be our primary caregiver. Knowing that so many parents juggle the care of their new babies, we consider ourselves to be very lucky.
'We consider ourselves lucky for another reason. Clarke and I have always been clear we wanted to be parents but had been told we would need help for that to happen. That's made this news a fantastic surprise.
'We first knew of my pregnancy on October, 13 but as many couples do in the early stages, we kept it to ourselves.
'From a personal perspective, I am so looking forward to my new role as a parent. But I am equally focused on my job and responsibilities as Prime Minister.
'While 2018 will be the year I become a mum, it will also be a year that the Government finishes our 100 day plan, and starts pursuing all of the priorities that will build a better New Zealand. I look forward to leading that work, and having a slightly expanded family join me on that journey. '
National Party Leader Bill English has extended his warm congratulations to Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford on their baby news.
'Mary and I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford on the news of the Prime Minister's pregnancy.
'It is an incredible privilege to be a parent. A new child will bring real joy to their lives.
'We wish them all the best.”
19 comments
A holiday already?
Posted on 19-01-2018 13:39 | By MISS ADVENTURE
So that will be a saving to the NZ taxpayers that are strapped for cash. No massive salry payments whilst cavorting around the cot.
Pregnant
Posted on 19-01-2018 13:39 | By MISS ADVENTURE
That explains the nappy brain issues.
Stand by....incoming...
Posted on 19-01-2018 13:51 | By Captain Sensible
Standby for the sycophant media taking this easy story and turning it into a story about NZ's royal baby. Yawn.....zzzzzzzzzzzzz...........
Priorities
Posted on 19-01-2018 13:54 | By clingon
So what is more important to her? I wouldn't have thought you could put 100% effort into both at the same time. It would be nice if a wedding was planned shortly or would that be putting just too much on her plate?...
The mind will say
Posted on 19-01-2018 16:30 | By MISS ADVENTURE
That I am wonderful, I can do it all, I can cope, its me, all will be wonderful and rosy coloured 24/7/365/3 .... hmmmmmmmmmmm.........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Then cranky, scratchy and eventually reality will catch up and a choice will have to be made.
Congratulations
Posted on 19-01-2018 17:06 | By jmny_c
Fantastic news, I wish her well. And to those saying that she can't be PM and a mother at the same time I say what about all the working mums who have their baby and go back to work shortly after (as Jacinda will do) Does NZ suffer major productivity issues because our mothers or fathers for that matter are not giving both matters their full attention?
Priorities 2
Posted on 19-01-2018 18:27 | By clingon
1: Marry your boyfriend before getting pregnant. 2: Raise your family in the safe and traditional proven way to provide stability and leadership in the home before putting yourself forward to lead the country. 3:Think about overseas headlines- Newly appointed P.M. announces pregnancy and her boyfriend will raise the child. Winstone Peters will step up to be temporary P.M.- now we know the hidden secret of why he went with Labour, this is shamefull...
Acting prime minister?
Posted on 19-01-2018 20:28 | By phoenix
Does that mean winston will be able to give permission to enter the pike river mine to recover those lost, With him leading the way as promised prior to the election?
rite
Posted on 19-01-2018 20:30 | By fletch
I agree with Clingon. A wedding would have been nice At least the parents would then have the same name.
@clingon
Posted on 20-01-2018 09:50 | By maildrop
Same question could be put to all the men who have children and a job. They just get out of the carrying and delivery bit. The reality is that lots of men and women work and look after children. Not sure what your gripe is. Is it that you think her place is at home? Is it that you think the country will grind to a halt if she has 6 weeks off? A wedding is as outdated as you.
@ phoenix
Posted on 21-01-2018 11:34 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Winny has given up on all he promised the NZ voters. Dont waste you time think that he also is a phoenix also of some sort. He has simply been begiled by the shinny whites as all magpies are.
Miserable
Posted on 21-01-2018 16:06 | By waiknot
Some really miserable people commenting here
@ Miss Adventure
Posted on 21-01-2018 16:27 | By phoenix
Point taken, but it doesn't hurt to keep those who voted for winnie, fully informed of those promises.
Disgusted
Posted on 22-01-2018 08:11 | By Told you
I cant believe so many people have shown such venom towards Jacinda & Winnie, I would have thought politics out on this happy occasion.
@ MISS ADVENTURE
Posted on 22-01-2018 09:47 | By Told you
Your comments show a person of little tolerance and balance in life, how you can be nasty on this happy occasion?
@ Told you
Posted on 23-01-2018 12:26 | By MISS ADVENTURE
I think you are confused, I have simply added a little reality (not all of it) and you are having a wee tanty already. Sounds like you should go seek the "School of hard knocks" and awaken from the la-la-land leftist dream land. The sad part here is that the lefty world of socialism is and has always been a failure, from start to finish. When all are on the hand out gravy train then the only result is crash and burn ... wait for it ... its already on its way.
All is just wonderful?
Posted on 23-01-2018 13:06 | By MISS ADVENTURE
In an ideal world, there is no way that a woman can have a baby and be PM, even assuming no pregnancy challenges. As she hits trimester three nappy brain will certainly kick in, less mobile, and all the rest of the reality issues of the latter part of pregnacy, that is simply the reality of it. Of course once the baby arrives her attentions will be split between her full time job as PM and baby duties. An attempt to do both will result is a half baked job for both. All the idealistic dreams of "woman can do anything" ... all just because they want to is just so unrealistic and crazy to dream that as possibly real in any way. Anyway no one can argue that the best thing for the child is that mum is at home.
Thanks for confirming stereotypes
Posted on 30-01-2018 20:34 | By Captain Hottie
The stereotype that Tauranga is full of crabby conservative old people still living in the 1950s has just been confirmed in these comments! Any single people under 40 thinking of moving here - TURN BACK YOU FOOLS!! THERE BE DRAGONS!!
Prior
Posted on 08-02-2018 18:49 | By overit
she knew prior to the election. No wonder she did not want to answer Mike Hoskings question.
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