Jacinda Ardern's 'intellect and strength' will be missed as New Zealand PM resigns

World leaders pay tribute to a politician who inspired young women the world over

Jacinda Ardern at New Zealand's parliament in 2017 after becoming leader of the Labour party. Getty

Ms Ardern attends a group photo with other leaders at the 2017 Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit in Vietnam. AFP

Former German chancellor Angela Merkel, right, with Ms Ardern in Berlin. Getty

Ms Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford with their newborn daughter on June 21, 2018, in Auckland. Getty

Ms Ardern holds her daughter at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit in 2018. AFP

Ms Ardern addresses the media in 2019, after a right-wing extremist who killed 49 worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch appeared in court. AFP

She meets members of the Muslim community after the mass shooting at the mosques. EPA

Burj Khalifa in Dubai is lit up with an image of Ms Ardern, in appreciation of her support for New Zealand's Muslim community. AFP

She meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2019, in Beijing. Getty

Ms Ardern gives the UK's Prince William a traditional Maori 'hongi' welcome at the War Memorial Museum in Auckland. AFP

Ms Ardern speaks during the 74th session of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters, in New York. AFP

With Finance Minister Grant Robertson, cooking breakfast for the crowds during the Waitangi Day national holiday, on February 6, 2021. Getty Images

Ms Ardern and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison swap football jerseys on May 31, 2021, in Queenstown. Mr Morrison was on a two-day visit to New Zealand, his first overseas visit that year. Getty

Receiving a dose of the Pfizer Covid vaccine from nurse Gordana Nezich, on July 28, 2021, in Hamilton. Getty

US President Joe Biden receiveds Ms Ardern in the Oval Office at the White House, on May 31, 2022. The two leaders discussed security and engagement in the Asia Pacific region. AFP

Ms Ardern with her British counterpart Boris Johnson, as she arrives for a meeting at Downing Street on July 1, 2022, in London. Getty

Britain's King Charles III speaks with Ms Ardern, as he receives realm prime ministers in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace, on September 17, 2022. PA

Ms Ardern arrives at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, held at Westminster Abbey, London, on September 19, 2022. PA

Announcing her resignation in Wellington, on January 19. AFP

Ms Ardern with partner Mr Gayford after announcing her resignation at War Memorial Hall in Napier. EPA

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's announcement that she would "call it a day" and resign sparked outpourings of respect for a leader

It is rare in politics to leave before being pushed or voted out by the public, but Ms Ardern told the nation on Thursday she has "nothing left in the tank" to govern for longer.

"Politicians are human," she said, announcing that her last day would be February 7 after five and a half years in office. "We give all that we can, for as long as we can, and then it's time. And for me, it's time."

The youngest female leader in history when she took office (Finland's prime minister, Sanna Marin, is now the youngest), Ms Ardern alluded to the struggles of managing parenthood and leadership at the end of her speech, telling her daughter Neve that she was looking forward to being there when she started school this year and her partner Clarke Gayford that it was time they got married.

In 2018, Ms Ardern became only the second world leader to give birth while holding office. Later that year, she brought her infant daughter to the floor of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Her honesty about the strain the position put on her, but also pride in her achievements are an inspiration to young women everywhere, experts said.

"She was just very upfront and relatable," Anne-Marie Brady, a professor of politics at New Zealand's University of Canterbury, told Reuters. "I think any young woman that has grown up in this era where we can have it all, yes, but actually we still have our heart connections to our loved ones."

Women have been liberated but "patriarchal institutions" have not evolved enough to support family life, she said.

"We need people like Jacinda Ardern in politics. So, her situation is cause for reflection about what we can do more to support women in politics, and men and their family life too," Ms Brady added.

This sentiment was echoed in much of the praise for the Labour party leader.

"I will miss her, but I understand her point," European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum meeting.

Just 37 when she became leader, Ardern was praised around the world for her handling of the nation’s worst mass shooting and the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. But she faced mounting political pressures at home and a level of vitriol from some that had not been experienced by previous New Zealand leaders.

Former prime minister Helen Clark said Ms Ardern had done an "extraordinary job" in leading New Zealand through major crises.

Yenny Wahid, a prominent Indonesian activist for women's rights and director of the Wahid Institute, said Ms Ardern's decision carried an important message for the next generation of leaders.

"She chose the timing of her own exit, she has different priorities at this point in her life. It shows the young generation that it's OK."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thanked Ms Ardern for her friendship, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said she had "shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength".

New Zealand opposition leader Christopher Luxon said Ms Ardern had been a strong ambassador for the country on the world stage. He said that for his party “nothing changes” and it remains intent on winning this year’s general elections to “deliver a government that can get things done for the New Zealand people”.

Ms Ardern announced that vote would be held on October. 14, and that she would remain in politics until then. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson announced that he will not contest the leadership of the Labour Party, throwing the competition open.

It’s unclear who will take over as prime minister until the election.

If no candidate gets at least two-thirds support from the caucus when Labour politicians vote on Sunday, then the leadership contest will go to the wider party membership. Ms Ardern has recommended the party choose her replacement by the time she steps down.

Ms Ardern said she had not had too much time to reflect on her tenure in the role, although noted it had been marked with crises.