Women’s March speaker in January; Prime Minister in October

Ten months ago Jacinda Ardern was a keynote speaker at the Women’s March in Auckland; in October she became the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

For many it was a chance to hear the then list MP speak in person. “First time I heard her speak and I was sold after it,” wrote one woman on our Facebook page. “I was there. Excellent speaker and speech!” says another.  

Back then she was an opposition list MP. The day after the March, she was confirmed as the candidate for the Mt Albert by-election – which she won in a landslide.

In March, she became the deputy leader of the Labour Party, taking over from Annette King. Then in a sudden, stunning turn of events, she became the leader of the Labour Party just seven weeks out from the election when Andrew Little stepped down.

Now, after gruelling coalition negotiations, Jacinda Ardern is our Prime Minister.  She told RNZ: “I want the government… to bring kindness back.”

Back in January we sent Jacinda Ardern a single text on New Year’s Day to ask her to speak at the Women’s March. Her immediate response: “Absolutely and thanks for thinking of me.”

After ten tumultuous months ending with her holding NZ’s top leadership position, it might take a little more to get her back to speak to us again!  

Me mahi tātou tahi mō te oranga o te katoa.