Ardern has targeted climate change as a priority area, saying it was "my generation's nuclear-free moment".
Ardern made the call in a speech at Labour's campaign launch at the weekend.
There was no new policy in her speech, but Ardern set out the areas she intended to emphasise as leader, including children and climate change.
Her speech was part rallying cry for the election campaign and part setting out her key priority parts.
In her speech, Ardern said the first time she was boo-ed in politics was at a public meeting in Matamata when asked about climate change.
"But I will never stop talking about it, because it's the challenge that defines my generation. This is my generation's nuclear-free moment and I am determined that we will tackle it head on."
Speaking afterwards, Ardern said she remained committed to long-standing Labour policy for an emissions trading scheme that covered all gases and all sectors - including agriculture.
However, she said a Labour government would legislate for carbon emissions targets to ensure they were reported.
"We need to be transparent with people about how we are progressing. I don't accept New Zealand is a country at the bottom of the world that can't play its part, particularly when we have the Pacific on our doorstep and they are so affected."
Ardern also reiterated her push to restore water quality but denied she was targeting Green Party territory.
"Any politician in 2017 needs to be talking about these issues, no matter what shade. These have always been things I've cared deeply about and to be honest I just focused on things I was passionate about."
