Once hailed as a global icon of progressive leadership, Jacinda Ardern now finds herself the subject of polarising opinions in her home country. As she settles into a new chapter in the United States, many are asking: why has New Zealand turned on Jacinda Ardern?
The Rise That Captivated the World
Ardern’s rise was meteoric. Her empathetic response to the Christchurch mosque attacks in 2019, decisive COVID-19 management, and strong stance on social issues won her fans far beyond New Zealand. For a time, she seemed untouchable—a rare combination of compassion and competence in global politics.
But politics is rarely that simple, and popularity doesn’t last forever.
From Praise to Pushback
Despite her early success, Ardern’s second term began to crack under the weight of economic and social strain. New Zealand, like much of the world, struggled with inflation, rising living costs, and housing shortages. These issues began to overshadow the goodwill she’d earned. Critics argued that while Ardern excelled in crisis communication, her government fell short on delivery.
Even her signature policies—like climate action and child poverty reduction—were criticised as too ambitious with too little follow-through.
COVID-19: A Double-Edged Sword
Initially, Ardern’s pandemic response was seen as world-leading. But prolonged lockdowns, tight border controls, and vaccine mandates sparked resentment over time. While many supported her cautious approach, others saw it as overreach. By 2022, the very policies that once made her a star started to fuel division.
Public sentiment shifted from admiration to frustration, especially among small business owners and rural communities who felt ignored.
A Graceful Exit—or Strategic Retreat?
In January 2023, Ardern shocked the world by resigning, citing burnout. Her departure was dignified, but it came amid declining approval ratings and growing political pressure. Rather than cling to power, she left—still popular abroad but increasingly criticised at home.
Her recent move to the U.S., taking up roles with Harvard and the Earthshot Prize, only reignited debate. Supporters saw it as a fitting evolution of her career. Critics called it opportunistic, saying she abandoned a country she left fractured.
A Complex Legacy
So, why has New Zealand turned on Jacinda Ardern? It’s not a single issue, but a mix of unfulfilled promises, pandemic fatigue, and the natural arc of political leadership. Ardern’s legacy remains significant—she broke moulds and redefined leadership for many. But in her homeland, the glow has dimmed.
History may be kinder to her than the headlines of today.
