PM Jacinda Ardern stands down: Rotorua politicians, supporters laud leadership

Rotorua Labour supporters and politicians have described Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as an “incredible Prime Minister,” who is staunch, compassionate and caring.

Choking back tears, Ardern announced today she would stand down on February 7.

She said she had hoped to find the energy and heart to continue in the role over the summer, “but I have not been able to do that”.

Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell said she was thankful to Ardern for the significant amount of investment committed to Rotorua during her leadership.

”I respect her sudden resignation is to ensure the best person is there for the job.

”Our community, and country, are facing unprecedented challenges so we eagerly await certainty of who will be the new Prime Minister.

”I look forward to working with new leadership to restore Rotorua and continuing progress to solve the housing crisis and child poverty.”

Te Arawa Lakes Trust chief executive Karen Vercoe said Ardern “undeniably” steered Aotearoa through some challenging and unprecedented times, and set an important tone when it came to supporting vulnerable communities.

”When it comes to working with Māori, Ardern’s Government has made some progress; and we note the significance she placed on her first pōwhiri as Prime Minister, here at Tamatekapua – but there is still a great deal of work to be done.”

She said Te Arawa Lakes Trust appreciated Māori being heard on key legislation and topics, such as RMA reform and the Covid-19 response, but there was still mahi to come, particularly to ensure greater social, economic, cultural and environmental outcomes for whānau.

Te Arawa Trust chief executive Karen Vercoe. Photo / Andrew Warner

She said it welcomed the opportunity to work closely with the current Government through the year to ensure those views remained present in the progress of key legislation, and again with the next Government following the election.

”On a personal note, as a wahine and a mother, it is not easy to be a woman in a leadership role, and Prime Minister Ardern has had to weather more than her fair share of criticism; this is a brave decision and she is to be commended for it – I wish her all the very best in the next phase of her life.”

Rotorua list MP Tāmati Coffey was unavailable to speak but pointed to his Facebook post.

Labour List MP Tamati Coffey. Photo / Andrew Warner

”She has led us through the Covid pandemic, the Christchurch shootings as well as many natural disasters and she has done it with kindness and empathy for the last five years.”

Coffey said there was “much to sort through” but he stood with Ardern.

Speaking to media after the announcement, Labour’s East Coast MP Kiri Allan said Ardern had led the country through the “most incredible challenges” with grace, empathy and compassion.

“I am incredibly proud to have served as a minister in her cabinet and the imprint that she will have on Aotearoa, what she has given to us, will go down in history.”

Asked if she would put herself forward for the leadership Allan said the caucus would go through the official process.

“It’s time to take stock and have those discussions.”

Allan said Labour could “absolutely” win the next election.

“We have a plan, Labour has an economic plan, it has a social plan, we’re in the throes of some of the most challenging times and from the legacy that she’s left us all I think we’re well-equipped to take the next steps.”

Steve Chadwick, a former Rotorua mayor and Labour Party MP, said of Ardern’s announcement, “good on her”.

She was not shocked and said Ardern had made a high-value decision.

“I love her looking after her family and herself.”

Former Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick. Photo / Laura Smith

Chadwick believed Ardern was the right person to lead New Zealand at the right time.

She had done a phenomenal job and was an amazing Prime Minister, and the Covid-19 response was enviable, she said.

Chadwick wished her replacement good luck, but declined to comment on who she thought that might be.

Jacinda Ardern choked back tears as she revealed she was stepping down as Prime Minister. Photo / Warren Buckland

Former Rotorua Labour candidate Ben Sandford was sad to see Ardern resign.

“She’s been an incredible Prime Minister and guided New Zealand through some of the most difficult times in our nation’s history, while at the same time ensuring that the government is delivering for New Zealanders.”

Cleveland Fraser-Haig, 30, from Ngapuna, said he was surprised by Ardern’s decision.

”I guess she’s human just like the rest of us. She was good for some things and had to make some hard decisions.

”She had a good run in a tough time.”

Fraser-Haig said the next prime minister’s main challenge would be to get the cost of living down.

”To get food prices down and wages fixed up so we have the right balance and people don’t have to work two or three jobs to survive.”

Thirty-year-old scaffolder Cleveland Fraser-Haig (left) said he was surprised by Ardern's decision. Photo / Maryana Garcia

Kate, from South Waikato, said she was “not even slightly surprised” and called Ardern’s decision “strategic”.

”She was not going to be a prime minister who was defeated in office,” Kate, who did not want to disclose her last name to respect her employer, said.

Kate said she guessed the next prime minister would either be Nanaia Mahuta or Chris Hipkins.

A caucus vote will happen on Sunday for a new party leader - and new prime minister.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said he would not be putting his name forward.

The PM said her team was well-placed to take the country forward and contest the next election.

“I am not leaving because I believe we can’t win the election but because I believe we can and will.”

“I know when I have enough left in the tank to do it justice. I would be doing a disservice to New Zealanders to continue.”

Ardern said the caucus was surprised when she told them, but they understood.

Ardern would stay as an MP of Mt Albert until April to avoid the need for a byelection.

She said one of her great privileges was working with Māori. She recalled a marae in Rotorua, being welcomed with a pōhiri and the weight of the job hit her.

Ardern also announced this year’s election would be on October 14.