AUCKLAND – With a small group of contenders emerging for the top position, Jacinda Ardern’s shocking departure triggered a movement on Friday for New Zealand to elect its first Māori prime leader.
Less than three years after clinching a second term in a landslide election victory, Ardern, a global icon for progressive politics, shocked New Zealand on Thursday by abruptly announcing her resignation.
The 42-year-old, who presided over the nation during its worst-ever terrorist assault, the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous natural calamities, claimed she no longer had “enough in the tank.”
Ardern’s shock resignation leaves her party, the Labour Party, currently in the mix to agree on a replacement because there was no clear successor.
On Sunday, Labour lawmakers will attempt to choose the new prime minister, with the victorious candidate needing two-thirds of the vote.
In the absence of that, it will develop into a protracted election between party activists and allied unions.
Grant Robertson, Ardern’s deputy, quickly disqualified himself from the competition, making Chris Hipkins, 44, the early front-runner.
One of Labour’s top Māori MPs, Justice Minister Kiri Allan, and Immigration Minister Michael Wood are additional likely candidates.
None of the three have yet declared that they will challenge the election.
The well-known Hipkins is regarded as a reliable individual who has handled the challenging portfolios of COVID-19 response, police, and education.
Hipkins has since been characterized as “intelligent, personable, tough, and capable” by political journalist Josie Pagani.
