Thanks,Aunt Marie! Jacinda's Labour Of Love

Holding court at her first press conference as the leader of the Labour Party, Jacinda Ardern looked in her element.

- Sophie Neville, Sebastian Van Der Zwan

Despite being thrust into the top job just hours earlier after Andrew Little’s shock departure, she was witty, eloquent and sharp, showing no signs of the nerves she’s often spoken of when asked whether she was after the role.

With just 53 days until the election, the trailblazing 37-year-old promised the “campaign of our lives”, emphatically declaring, “You will see my personal stamp on this campaign. Relentless positivity will be among it.”

And her first few days as leader couldn’t have gone better, with her appointment injecting new excitement into New Zealand politics, sparking a nationwide discussion on sexism – and reportedly leaving National a little bit rattled.

There is no-one more thrilled than her devoted family, including her mum Laurell, dad Ross, partner Clarke Gayford and her aunt Marie Ardern, the woman who inspired a young Jacinda to consider a life in politics.

“We’re all just so proud of her!” Marie tells us. “I can’t tell you how excited and happy we are. We’re thrilled to the bone. It’s over the top – who’d have thought something like this would happen to a little girl from Morrinsville?!”

Introducing her aunt to Woman’s Day before last week’s incredible turn of events, Jacinda explains that it was Labour Party stalwart Marie who helped get her first political role at age 17.

Marie, 65, had been involved with her local Labour office in New Plymouth for years and mentioned her young niece to then-MP Harry Duynhoven.