Election 2026: Dame Jacinda Ardern enters the election debate
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has released a video urging supporters to donate to the Labour Party's election campaign. This marks a rare return to domestic political discourse for Ardern since her departure from office.
Why it matters
High-profile endorsements from former leaders can significantly influence party fundraising and voter mobilization in competitive election cycles.
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern is urging people to donate to Labour. Photo / Labour Party
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has broken her relative silence on New Zealand politics to record a video urging people to support the Labour Party and asking them to donate to its election campaign.
Ardern has been living overseas for most of the time since leaving politics and currently resides in Australia. Like many former Prime Ministers, she has kept relatively silent about domestic politics.
In a video sent to Labour supporters, Ardern said “it’s been such a long time since I have popped into your inbox”.
“But I couldn’t think of a better time to jump on and say a quick ‘hello’ and also share two very quick messages.
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