Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is now living in Australia with her family, a spokesperson has confirmed. The family has been travelling for several years and is currently based in Australia for work, which also allows more time in New Zealand.
Speculation about a move arose after reports that Ardern, her husband Clarke Gayford, and their seven-year-old daughter Neve attended open home viewings in Sydney’s northern beaches. The move may resonate in New Zealand, which is experiencing record numbers of citizens leaving due to a weak economy, high living costs, and unemployment. Over 60% of those emigrating go to Australia, where incomes are higher and New Zealanders have work and residency rights.
Ardern became the world’s youngest-serving female leader in 2017 at age 37 and gave birth while in office. Her tenure was marked by crises including the Christchurch attack and the Covid pandemic, making her a global left-wing icon. However, she faced domestic criticism over housing and emissions failures, and anti-vaccine protests.
She stepped down in January 2023, citing a lack of energy. Since then, she has held fellowships at Harvard, continued work on the Christchurch Call, and joined the Earthshot prize board. In 2025, she released a memoir and a documentary premiered at Sundance.
