Wonder Woman! PM Jacinda's Amazing Journey
Woman’s Day Magazine NZ|30 October 2017

Our excited new leader proves anything is possible

Sophie Neville
Wonder Woman! PM Jacinda's Amazing Journey

Just six weeks ago, as she mounted the political campaign of a lifetime, Jacinda Ardern told us that 2017 had shaped up to be “unbelievable and totally exceptional”.

In the space of a few short months, the passionate 37-year-old from Morrinsville rose from list MP to leader of the Labour Party and sparked a political frenzy like none other as she steered the embattled party back into serious contention. Jacinda-mania was born.

But her astonishing year took the ultimate turn on Thursday last week, when she became the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand – and the third ever woman to lead our country.

Speaking to Woman’s Day just 12 hours after her amazing victory, she says, “There are no words for it now – it will be the most extraordinary period of my life. But I am hoping the period that I’m most proud of is yet to come. I’ve spent nine years preparing for the chance and opportunity to do something meaningful and constructive. You spend a lot of time making plans and now’s the time to make it a reality. And that’s exciting.”

While many commentators and Kiwis alike were shocked by New Zealand First leader Winston Peter’s decision to join with Labour and the Green Party in coalition, ending National’s nine years in power, Jacinda isn’t feeling any nerves.

Calm and confident at the mammoth task ahead, the passionate politician – whose sole reason for joining the Labour Party at 17 was to tackle child poverty – is determined to use her position to make a real difference.

This story is from the 30 October 2017 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 30 October 2017 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN’S DAY MAGAZINE NZView All
TREASURE & TRAUMA
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

TREASURE & TRAUMA

The launch of the new season of Celebrity Treasure Island doubled as an eighth wedding anniversary celebration for contestant Millen Baird and his wife Siobhan Marshall, who came fourth on the show back in 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
August 31, 2024
JUDGE JAY-JAY
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

JUDGE JAY-JAY

Radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas

time-read
2 mins  |
August 31, 2024
CASEY'S BABY JOY 'OUR GIRL IS ALREADY SO LOVED'
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

CASEY'S BABY JOY 'OUR GIRL IS ALREADY SO LOVED'

The Te Puke gym owner refused to let a devastating accident stop her from becoming a mother

time-read
3 mins  |
August 31, 2024
DEAD FUNNY! SHOSHANA'S GOING SOLO
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

DEAD FUNNY! SHOSHANA'S GOING SOLO

The Emmy Award-winning writer is starring in a macabre new comedy

time-read
3 mins  |
August 31, 2024
TWO RAW SISTERS BABY MAKES THREE!
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

TWO RAW SISTERS BABY MAKES THREE!

Rosa and Margo have a new cookbook and bundle of joy on the way

time-read
3 mins  |
August 31, 2024
HOME AND AWAY'S NEW MÃORI STAR
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

HOME AND AWAY'S NEW MÃORI STAR

The son of a Kiwi sporting Legend, Cantona Stewart is making waves in Summer Bay

time-read
2 mins  |
August 31, 2024
TV STAR AIDEE 'THE NIGHT I ALMOST DIED'
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

TV STAR AIDEE 'THE NIGHT I ALMOST DIED'

The actress and director opens up about her terrifying ordeal

time-read
3 mins  |
August 31, 2024
CARMEL SEPULONI  I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FIGHTER!
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

CARMEL SEPULONI I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FIGHTER!

Our former deputy PM the lessons she's learnt in politics on CTI

time-read
3 mins  |
August 31, 2024
KENNEDY & SOLLY'S ROMANTIC RACE TO THE ALTAR
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

KENNEDY & SOLLY'S ROMANTIC RACE TO THE ALTAR

The Black Ferns co-captain and her rugby star husband organised the ir nuptials in just five days!

time-read
5 mins  |
August 31, 2024
THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!

Their lovable bromance is stealing the spotlight in Venice!

time-read
1 min  |
August 31, 2024