Marking a joyous milestone, Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, has officially tied the knot with her longtime partner, Clarke Gayford, after a nearly five-year engagement. The couple, who reportedly began dating in 2014, had to postpone their wedding initially due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The intimate ceremony saw the presence of only close family, friends, and a select few colleagues, including Ms. Ardern’s successor, former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. However, even on this joyous occasion, a small group of protesters, fueled by lingering resentment over Jacinda Ardern’s government and its COVID-19 restrictions, made their voices heard outside the venue.
Despite the public’s persistent grievances, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Ardern, during her tenure, implemented some of the strictest coronavirus mandates globally, with New Zealand experiencing several rallies in response. Her decision to step down in January 2023 after five-and-a-half years in office, citing exhaustion and the need for a fresh perspective in an election year, surprised many.
Since then, Ardern has embarked on a new journey, temporarily joining Harvard University and taking on an unpaid role in combatting online extremism. In June 2023, she was honoured with one of New Zealand’s highest distinctions, becoming a Dame Grand Companion, a title that now accompanies her name – Dame Jacinda Ardern.
While Jacinda is celebrating her special day today, public opinion is divided due to ongoing disagreements between those critical of her former government’s decisions and Ardern’s dedication to what she believes was necessary for the nation’s well-being and safety.