Inside the Life of Jacinda Ardern: A Deep Dive into Leadership, Vulnerability, and Personal Resilience
In the behind-the-scenes footage of the upcoming documentary Prime Minister, a candid moment captures Dame Jacinda Ardern repeatedly requesting her husband, Clarke Gayford, to remove the camera from her face. This intimate glimpse reveals a woman who, despite her public persona, grapples with the emotional toll of her demanding role.
A Personal Encounter with Jacinda Ardern
During a brief, informal lunch at Washington D.C.’s Conrad Hotel, Ardern, 44, exudes warmth and approachability. Her hair, now a few shades lighter than in the documentary, she admits she styled herself. Her entourage, surprisingly modest-comprising just three individuals including her assistant-reflects her down-to-earth nature. As she offers her companions dark chocolate from New Zealand, she emphasizes the importance of sharing simple pleasures, even amid her busy schedule. Yet, subtle signs of lingering trauma from her tenure as prime minister are evident; she pre-signs her books and restricts questions to those submitted beforehand, while security personnel swiftly escort her in and out of events.
Reflecting on History and Personal Growth
Stepping off a train in Washington, Ardern remarks on the city’s profound historical significance. “This place reminds us that history extends far beyond this moment,” she notes, acknowledging the current global climate where the U.S. appears to be retreating from international engagement. Her words serve as a reminder that resilience and long-term perspective are vital, especially during turbulent times.
The Decision to Document Her Journey
Initially, Ardern and Gayford agreed to record her experiences privately, believing no one would ever see the footage. That changed when they entrusted over 300 hours of raw material to filmmakers Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz, capturing her emotional farewell in January 2023. Her voice, often trembling, explained her resignation: “I no longer have enough in the tank to serve effectively.”
Gayford, 48, explains their motivation: “We aimed to humanize politicians-show that they’re just people trying to make the best decisions they can.” His instinct to film Ardern’s early days in politics, including her discovery of pregnancy while stepping into the role of prime minister, resulted in a compelling documentary that also features her personal audio diaries stored in New Zealand’s national library.
Love, Life, and Public Scrutiny
In a country where her personal life drew less controversy than in the U.S., Ardern and Gayford’s relationship was unconventional. When she was sworn in, they weren’t married. During a press conference announcing her pregnancy, Gayford joked about their “backward” approach: “We bought a house, then had a baby, and maybe marriage will follow.” They got engaged during her first term but only married after her departure from office.
A poignant scene early in the film shows Gayford apologizing for pushing Ardern to reflect on her electoral victory while she’s trying to tend to her eye. Her response is sharp: “I don’t have time for this right now,” she says, smiling but firm. Their relationship has been tested by the intense demands of her leadership, from managing international crises to navigating the chaos of pandemic protests-sometimes with her in pajamas, working late into the night.
The Challenges of Leadership and Personal Sacrifice
Gayford recalls moments when he felt like the “worst partner in the world,” balancing his role as a caregiver with her relentless schedule. Their life together, especially during her tenure, was a constant juggling act-dividing responsibilities to keep their family afloat. Their move to Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2023, was initially meant to be temporary, but the change of scenery proved restorative. Ardern appreciates the walkable city, vibrant communities, and the opportunity to write her memoir, A Different Kind of Power, which explores themes of empathetic leadership and kindness.
A Leader in the Global Spotlight
Ardern’s rise to international prominence was swift. She assumed office just nine months after Donald Trump’s inauguration, quickly becoming a symbol of compassionate governance. Her response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings-wearing a headscarf to mourn with victims-and her subsequent push for gun control exemplify her empathetic approach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her decisive border closures and strict lockdowns kept New Zealand’s infection rates among the lowest globally, allowing the country to reopen safely by mid-2022 with 90% vaccination coverage.
The Personal Toll and Public Scrutiny
Despite her achievements, Ardern faced intense criticism and hostility at home. Protests erupted over her handling of the pandemic, with some demonstrators displaying disturbing signs and even hanging nooses outside her office. The documentary highlights the misogyny and hostility she endured, which many believe would have been far worse if she were a male leader. She consciously avoids naming Trump, instead emphasizing the importance of alternative leadership styles that prioritize empathy and kindness.
The End of an Era and New Beginnings
In her candid reflections, Ardern discusses the complex factors that led to her resignation-threats to her family, the challenge of balancing motherhood with political duties, and burnout. Her time in Cambridge was initially a brief escape, but she ended up staying two years, finding solace in the city’s community-oriented atmosphere. Writing her memoir served as a form of therapy rather than a political comeback, reaffirming her decision to step away from elected office.
When asked about future plans, Ardern firmly states she has no intention of running for office again: “Absolutely not. My time in politics is over.” Instead, she is preparing for her next chapter in the U.K., where she has accepted a university fellowship similar to her previous role at Harvard. She continues to work with initiatives like the Christchurch Call, dedicated to combating online extremism, and mentors emerging leaders in empathetic governance.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Reflecting on her departure from politics, Ardern admits she has yet to fully unwind from the weight of leadership. “The responsibility was immediate and intense,” she says, “but slowing down is something I look forward to.” Her journey underscores the importance of mental health, personal resilience, and the power of compassionate leadership-lessons that resonate globally in an era hungry for authentic, empathetic figures at the helm.
