Jacinda Ardern turns 40: Ministers post birthday messages

Rugby banter between Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her right-hand man, Finance Minister Grant Robertson. Photos / Instagram

Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Justice Minister Andrew Little are among the first people to publicly wish Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern happy birthday on her special day.

Today marks a milestone for Ardern, who turns 40.

"Happy birthday to Labour Leader and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern," Little posted on Facebook.

"She was surprised with a cake and birthday singalong at Newton Markets yesterday."

Also attached was a video of the singalong and a surprised Ardern thanking everyone and cutting the cake.

Happy Birthday Jacinda Ardern

Happy birthday to Labour Leader and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern! She was surprised with a cake and a birthday singalong at Newtown Markets yesterday 🎂

Posted by New Zealand Labour Party on Saturday, 25 July 2020

Robertson posted on Instagram along with a few snaps of the pair together.

"There have been good times, crazy times and sad times but it's always been my honour to stand shoulder to shoulder with my friend @jacindaardern," he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

There have been good times, crazy times and sad times but it's always been my honour to stand shoulder to shoulder with my friend @jacindaardern Happy 40th birthday!

A post shared by Grant Robertson (@grantrobertsonmp) on Jul 25, 2020 at 2:07pm PDT

Ardern and Robertson have always been united in the halls of power, but have also been known to enjoy a bit of footy banter.

Last month the pair traded photos in their supporter's gear, after Robertson - a Highlanders fan - gave a shout-out to his Chiefs-supporting boss.

View this post on Instagram

Ok @jacindaardern how do you think your Chiefs are going to go? Awesome atmosphere at Forsyth Barr Stadium for the world first pro rugby game. #highlanders #superrugby

A post shared by Grant Robertson (@grantrobertsonmp) on Jun 12, 2020 at 11:56pm PDT

Robertson's heartfelt birthday post has already sparked dozens of messages from fans echoing happy birthday wishes.

"Happy 40th birthday to the world's greatest leader. What a woman, what a leader, what a force!," one person wrote.

So far this week, Ardern has kept quiet about her big day apart from a post which included a demolished cake at Wellington's Newtown markets.

Labour MP Paul Eagle baked the cake himself as a surprise for his boss.

View this post on Instagram

Newtown markets with @pauleaglenz this morning! There may or may not have been another round of cake.... briefly😳

A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) on Jul 24, 2020 at 9:27pm PDT