SYDNEY, 26 February 2026 – Former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has officially relocated to Australia, marking a significant new chapter for the global political icon. A spokesperson confirmed today that Ardern and her family are currently based in Australia “for the moment,” following recent sightings of the former leader holidaying in the Illawarra region of New South Wales.
Relocation to Australia
Reports emerged on Thursday, 26 February 2026, that Dame Jacinda has joined the growing number of New Zealanders moving across the Tasman. While her long-term plans remain private, she was recently spotted in the coastal town of Gerringong. The move comes as Ardern continues to promote her memoir, A Different Kind of Power, which was released in late 2025 and explores her unique approach to empathetic leadership.
The timing of her move has coincided with renewed political debate in New Zealand regarding child poverty. New data released this week shows that one in seven Kiwi children are living in material hardship, a policy area that Ardern made a central priority during her tenure as Prime Minister and Minister for Child Poverty Reduction.
Legacy and Global Influence
Since resigning as Prime Minister in January 2023, Ardern has maintained a high international profile. In October 2024, she was formally invested as a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit by Prince William at Windsor Castle. Her post-political career has included fellowships at Harvard University and a role as a trustee for the Earthshot Prize.
Public sentiment remains divided but largely respectful of her impact. Recent insights from political analysts suggest that while her administration faced challenges in delivering long-term structural reform, her “politics of kindness” continues to be studied as a model for progressive leadership globally. A documentary film titled Prime Minister, examining her years in office, has also recently begun screening in various international circuits.
Biographical Summary
Jacinda Ardern rose to international prominence in 2017 when she became the world’s youngest female head of government at the age of 37. Her leadership was defined by her response to the Christchurch mosque attacks, the White Island volcanic eruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern |
| Date of Birth | 26 July 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Hamilton, New Zealand |
| Education | University of Waikato |
| Political Party | Labour Party |
| Prime Ministerial Term | 2017 – 2023 |
| Notable Honours | Damehood (GNZM) awarded 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacinda Ardern move to Australia?
As of February 2026, a spokesperson confirmed she is based in Australia “for the moment.” While no specific professional appointment was cited, she has recently been seen holidaying in New South Wales and continues to engage in international speaking and literary engagements.
What is Jacinda Ardern’s book about?
Her memoir, A Different Kind of Power, focuses on her philosophy of leadership, emphasizing empathy and kindness as strengths rather than weaknesses in the high-pressure environment of global politics.
Is Jacinda Ardern still involved in New Zealand politics?
No, she resigned as Prime Minister and as the Member of Parliament for Mt Albert in early 2023. While she remains a member of the Labour Party, she has stepped away from domestic political life to focus on international advocacy, climate change initiatives, and her family.