Ardern’s key leadership moments
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Jacinda Ardern’s first term in office has been challenging but her leadership style under crisis – both decisive and compassionate – has seen her become one of the world’s most prominent leaders
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Oct 26, 2017: Jacinda Ardern, aged 37, sworn in as New Zealand’s 40th prime minister, becoming world’s youngest female head of government
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Jun 21, 2018: Second elected head of government to give birth while in
office, after Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto in 1990
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Ardern takes six months maternity leave to look after baby daughter Neve Te Aroha
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Dec 9: Volcano erupts on White Island, killing 21 people
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Mar 15, 2019: Fifty people killed when far-right gunman attacks worshippers
at two mosques in Christchurch in worst mass shooting in New Zealand’s modern history
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Ardern actively oversees rescue and recovery efforts, supporting emergency responders
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Mar 2020: Coronavirus pandemic strikes – Ardern closes borders, imposes nationwide lockdown and expands testing and contact tracing
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Ardern’s swift and compassionate response – wearing hijab as she meets Muslim community on day after attack – is praised for unifying country
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“Go hard, go early” approach gains wide admiration – viewed as antithesis of attitude of
U.S. president Donald Trump
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2017 2018 2019 2020
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Sources: AP, Reuters, BBC Pictures: AP, Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS