New Zealand’s next PM? Contenders take their marks in race to replace Jacinda Ardern

Ardern resigned on Thursday with no clear successor, opening the door for Labour’s Maori caucus to have a significant say in picking the next leader

Education Minister Chris Hipkins is an early front runner – as is Justice Minister Kiri Allan, one of Labour’s senior Maori MPs

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Justice Minister Kiri Allan would become New Zealand’s first Maori prime minister if she succeeds Jacinda Ardern. Photo New Zealand Herald

Published: 3:06pm, 20 Jan 2023

Jacinda Ardern’s shock resignation sparked a push on Friday for New Zealand to choose its first Maori prime minister, as a small pack of candidates emerged for the top job.

Ardern, a global figurehead for progressive politics, stunned New Zealand on Thursday by announcing her abrupt exit from office, less than three years after securing a second term in a landslide election win.

The 42-year-old – who steered the country through natural disasters, the Covid pandemic, and its worst-ever terror attack – said she no longer had “enough in the tank”.

Ardern resigned with no clear successor, and her ruling Labour Party is now scrambling to settle on a replacement.

Jacinda Ardern at an airport on Friday, a day after announcing her resignation as prime minister of New Zealand. Photo: EPA-EFE

Labour members of parliament will try to elect the next prime minister on Sunday – with the winning candidate needing two-thirds of the vote.