Jacinda Ardern’s Resignation!
Jacinda Ardern will not compete in the 2023 New Zealand General Election as she has decided to resign from the post of Prime Minister. In a press conference in January 2023, Jacinda said she “no longer had enough in the tank”. Jacinda served 5 years in New Zealand’s top job. She said, now “it’s time” to leave.
In February 2023 the current Education Minister, Chris Hipkins, will replace Ardern as New Zealand’s Prime Minister. Carmel Sepuloni will become deputy Prime Minister. Carmel will make history as the first Pasifika New Zealander to hold the position.
Here is some useful vocabulary to help you understand Jacinda’s resignation as New Zealand’s leader!
Vocabulary From The News!
Resignation
Resignation – the act of leaving a job or position and making a statement that you are doing this.
In the election year of 2023, Jacinda Ardern has officially announced her resignation as Prime Minister of New Zealand after 5 years in office and will not seek a second term.
Jacinda-mania
-mania – suffix: a very strong interest in the something, especially among a large group of people.
Hype and admiration surrounding the 2017 election of the Labour party leader was termed “Jacinda-mania”.
Exceptional
Exceptional – Unusual and unlikely to happen often.
In exceptional circumstances in 2018, Jacinda was the first world leader to bring her baby into a session of the UN general assembly.
To grieve
To grieve -to feel or express great sadness, especially when mourning loss of life
In the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attack in 2019, Jacinda grieved with Muslim families and introduced strict gun control measures.
Robust
Robust – Strong, determined and able to withstand great difficulties.
After the outbreak of the Sars-Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Jacinda was widely praised for her robust approach in protecting New Zealanders.
Wētā
Wētā – a giant flightless cricket that is only found in New Zealand.
Hemiandrus jacinda, a species of Weta, was named after Jacinda in 2021.
Abhorrent
Abhorrent – Considered completely unacceptable because it is morally wrong.
Chris Hipkins has spoken out against the “abhorrent abuse” targeted at the leaving PM.
Was it the right time for Jacinda to resign as leader?
Try using this vocabulary to make some sentences in the comments!