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 but is currently basing themselves in Australia for work, with the added benefit of being closer to New Zealand.
Speculation about a move emerged 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 spokesperson did not confirm when the family arrived or the nature of their work but noted it is not unusual for former leaders to spend time overseas after leaving office.
The move may stir debate in New Zealand, which is experiencing a record exodus of citizens due to a weak economy, high living costs, and unemployment. Over 60% of those leaving go to Australia, where wages are higher and New Zealanders have work and residency rights.
Ardern became the world's youngest-serving female leader in 2017 at age 37, later giving birth while in office. Her tenure was marked by crises including the Christchurch attack and the Covid-19 pandemic, making her a global icon of the left. However, her legacy at home was complicated by failures on housing and emissions, 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 against online extremism, and joined the board of Prince William's Earthshot prize. In 2025 she released a memoir and featured in a documentary.
