Emotional moment Jacinda Ardern leaves New Zealand Parliament for the last time before a guard of honor: ‘Can’t see where I’m going’
- Jacinda Ardern has left the New Zealand Parliament for the last time
- In the forecourt, she met a huge, cheering crowd
- Chris Hipkins takes over after her shock resignation
Jacinda Ardern was greeted by a cheering crowd as she left New Zealand’s Parliament for the final time following her surprise resignation as Prime Minister.
Ms Ardern stepped outside the Executive Building – or the Beehive – on Wednesday and was supported and applauded by Labor MPs, Government staff and members of the public in Parliament’s forecourt.
She hugged every member of her own group who stood by to say goodbye, many of whom seemed emotional as she hugged them.
Ms Ardern’s fiancee Clarke Gayford walked behind her as she slowly made her way through the crowd to her car.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured) was greeted by a cheering crowd as she left Parliament for the last time
She received a wave of support in Parliament’s forecourt as she walked to her car on Wednesday
“I can’t really see where I’m going,” she once said, reports the New Zealand Herald.
She eventually got to her car and was driven to the government building.
There she will meet with Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro, where she will officially step down as head of state.
Ms Ardern surprised Kiwis and much of her party last Thursday when she announced her resignation at Labor’s start-of-the-year retreat in Napier.
She explained that she was burned out and had “nothing left in the tank”.
Ms Ardern said she would still see Kiwis, but not in public debates.
“You won’t find me commenting on domestic politics. I’ve had my time,’ she said.
“I’m ready to be anything. I’m ready to be a backbencher. I’m ready to be a sister and a mother.’
Ms Ardern hugged each member of her own party who stood by to see her off
Chris Hipkins (pictured) was sworn in as New Zealand’s new Prime Minister by the Governor General
Chris Hipkins has been sworn in as New Zealand’s next Prime Minister by the Governor-General following Ms Ardern’s formal resignation.
He will go back to Parliament and chair his first cabinet meeting, followed by a press conference.
Ms Ardern has described the former police minister as a “sympathetic, down to earth and practical” man.
Ms Ardern will take a back seat for three months, stepping down her seat in April ahead of an October 14 election.