New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said she plans to stand down no later than February 7 and will not seek re-election.
In a televised address on Thursday, Ms Ardern said she still believed New Zealand Labour would win the coming election, which she called for October 14.
She choked back the tears as she said: "For me, it's time. I just don't have enough in the tank for another four years.
“I’m leaving, because with such a privileged role comes responsibility. The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not.
"I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple.
“I am human, politicians are human. We give all that we can for as long as we can. And then it’s time. And for me, it’s time."
Ms Ardern said she reflected over the summer break on whether she had the energy to continue in the role, and concluded that she did not.
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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
When she came to power in 2017 aged 37, she wase the world’s youngest female head of government.
Ms Ardern has led the country through the Covid-19 pandemic and major disasters including the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, and the White Island volcanic eruption.
She said she wanted New Zealanders to remember her “as someone who always tried to be kind".
No terrorist deserves their name to be shared, says New Zealand's prime minister - video
“I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused," Ms Ardern said.
"And that you can be your own kind of leader – one who knows when it’s time to go."
Ms Ardern will remain a Member of Parliament until April.
