25 Jan 2023

Jacinda Ardern exits Parliament as Prime Minister for final time

12:54 pm on 25 January 2023
Crowds applaud outgoing PM Jacinda Ardern as she leaves parliament for the final time as Prime Minister

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday morning arrived at Government House to formally resign as prime minister, exiting Parliament to an adoring crowd of onlookers.

She was greeted on Parliament's steps by fellow Cabinet ministers, MPs, staff and onlookers, who she greeted with emotional farewells.

Her formal resignation was confirmed by the Governor-General who then swore in her replacement, Chris Hipkins.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, have also paid tribute to Ardern's leadership on Twitter.

Crowds applaud outgoing PM Jacinda Ardern as she leaves parliament for the final time as Prime Minister

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Crowds applaud outgoing PM Jacinda Ardern as she leaves parliament for the final time as Prime Minister

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Crowds applaud outgoing PM Jacinda Ardern as she leaves parliament for the final time as Prime Minister

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Jacinda Ardern exits Parliament for the final time as prime minister of New Zealand, greeted by fellow MPs, staff and onlookers.

Jacinda Ardern exits Parliament for the final time as prime minister of New Zealand, greeted by fellow MPs, staff and onlookers. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson

Crowds applaud outgoing PM Jacinda Ardern as she leaves parliament for the final time as Prime Minister

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Crowds applaud outgoing PM Jacinda Ardern as she leaves parliament for the final time as Prime Minister

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Jacinda Ardern says goodbye to supporters on her last day as prime minister.

Jacinda Ardern says goodbye to supporters on her last day as prime minister. Photo: RNZ / Craig McCulloch

Jacinda Ardern says goodbye to supporters on her last day as prime minister.

Jacinda Ardern says goodbye to supporters on her last day as prime minister. Photo: RNZ / Craig McCulloch

Crowds applaud outgoing PM Jacinda Ardern as she leaves parliament for the final time as Prime Minister

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Crowds applaud outgoing PM Jacinda Ardern as she leaves parliament for the final time as Prime Minister

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Crowds applaud outgoing PM Jacinda Ardern as she leaves parliament for the final time as Prime Minister

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Jacinda Ardern exits Parliament for the final time as prime minister of New Zealand, greeted by fellow MPs, staff and onlookers.

Jacinda Ardern exits Parliament for the final time as prime minister of New Zealand, greeted by fellow MPs, staff and onlookers. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson

Crowds applaud outgoing PM Jacinda Ardern as she leaves parliament for the final time as Prime Minister

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Crowds applaud outgoing PM Jacinda Ardern as she leaves parliament for the final time as Prime Minister

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Spare Change - The Ardern Years

Photo: RNZ

  • Ardern's final speech highlights 'love, empathy and kindness' of New Zealanders
  • Chris Hipkins sworn in as prime minister
  • Hipkins, Luxon sling accusations of divisive rhetoric at Rātana
  • Rātana ceremonies mark Labour's changing leadership with Jacinda Ardern's final speech as PM
  • Jacinda Ardern impressed on the big issues, says Alastair Campbell