Respect, thanks from iwi

Shared: Taharakau Stewart (Rongowhakaata) meets Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern before he spoke at the Tuia 250 pōhiri in 2019. Iwi leaders here have spoken of their shock but understanding about her imminent retirement. Picture by Liam Clayton

IWI leaders from across Tūranganui a Kiwa and Tairāwhiti say they were shocked by the news of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s resignation but understand her reasons. 
Te Runanga o Turanganui a Kiwa chair Pene Brown said the iwi of Turanganui a Kiwa acknowledged Jacinda Ardern for her leadership and contribution as PM. 
“She has had 15 years as an elected member, and five-plus years as PM with about four to five crisis events in that time, at the same time being a young mother — an amazing commitment. She was 37 when appointed as PM, and she is only 42 now,” said Mr Brown. 
He went to school with her soon-to-be mother-in-law, at a small rural school at Puha north of Gisborne. 
“Turanga has benefited from her and her government more than any other government in the last 20 years with investment in the Covid-19 response, jobs for nature, and housing. 
“This government now works with iwi, being closer to a partnership than any other government,” he said.
Pene Brown said they were thankful for the many fronts that she and her government have championed.
He recalled that Tuia 250 in 2019 was a moment all Turanga iwi shared with the Prime Minister. 
“She was integral with her top-down leadership to make sure things happened the way the locals wanted, and she was always in touch to keep relevant with the various Tuia 250 projects. 
“Turanga iwi have always acknowledged the PM’s role in wanting to tell a more equal discovery of korero and perspective of Cook’s arrival,” he said. 
Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust kaihautū Teina Moetara said, “E te Pirimia o te Kawanatanga o Aotearoa — nei ra nga mihi o te tari o Rongowhakaata.
“From our significant past engagements, in particular during the Cook collision commemorations, where the stories of the birth of New Zealand’s identity reaffirmed its beginnings in the care of the Turanga people, and your support of our arts festival. We wish you vitality in your future pursuits.”
Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou chairman Selwyn Parata said he was in a state of shock and was trying to work through the impact this would have on the country and the implications for them as iwi, in progressing the major work programmes and priorities already agreed with iwi. 
“I have worked closely with the Prime Minister over the past five years and know that her decision to resign would not have been made lightly,” Mr Parata said.
“I respect the fact that she wants what is in the best interests of the country and recognises that she no longer has the energy to provide the quality of leadership required in a Prime Minister.
“I wish to acknowledge her for the job that she has done and wish her and her whānau all the best for the future.”
Ngati Porou looked forward to working with the new Prime Minister on progressing the matters that Ms Ardern and the government had already committed to, Mr Parata said.
“Jacinda will be remembered as a caring, empathetic leader who gave comfort to many New Zealanders through some of the country’s most challenging times.
“Jacinda has certainly raised Aotearoa New Zealand’s political profile on the global stage as one of the youngest female leaders and one of the most popular Prime Ministers of recent times.
“Kia tau te ia o te Mauri kia tatau.” (May the force be with us all).