Jacinda Ardern Relocates to Australia with Family, Office Confirms
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has officially moved to Australia with her family, a spokesperson has confirmed. The high-profile political figure, who led New Zealand from 2017 to 2023, is now based in Australia where she has work commitments.
Family Settles in Australia After Years of Travel
"The family has been travelling for a few years now," Ardern's office stated. "For the moment they're basing themselves out of Australia – they have work there, and it brings the added bonus of more time back home in New Zealand." The spokesperson did not specify exactly when the family arrived in Australia or provide details about Ardern's current professional activities.
Speculation about Ardern's potential move to Australia emerged after Australian media reported that she, along with her husband Clarke Gayford and their seven-year-old daughter Neve, had been attending open home viewings in Sydney's Northern Beaches area. The family's relocation represents a significant personal transition for the former world leader.
Move Highlights New Zealand's Emigration Challenges
Ardern's move to Australia comes at a sensitive time for New Zealand, which is experiencing record numbers of citizens leaving the country. More than 60% of those emigrating have chosen Australia as their destination, attracted by higher average weekly incomes and favorable work and residency rights for New Zealand citizens.
The spokesperson noted that it's not unusual for former leaders to spend time overseas after leaving office, but the timing of this move highlights broader economic challenges facing New Zealand, including a weak economy, high living costs, and elevated unemployment rates that have been driving emigration.
Ardern's Historic Leadership and Post-Political Career
Jacinda Ardern made history in 2017 when she became the world's youngest serving female leader at age 37. She went on to become only the second woman to give birth while holding elected office. Her six-year tenure was defined by her response to multiple crises, including the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic.
During a period when many Western nations were shifting to the right politically, Ardern's compassionate leadership style made her a global icon for progressive politics. However, her domestic legacy became more complicated toward the end of her term, with criticism emerging about her government's progress on housing and climate change initiatives.
Since announcing her resignation in January 2023, citing that she no longer had "enough in the tank," Ardern has maintained an active post-political career. She has held dual fellowship roles at Harvard University, continued her work on the Christchurch Call initiative combating online extremism, and joined Prince William's Earthshot Prize board of trustees.
In 2025, Ardern released a memoir, and a documentary about her leadership and personal life premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Her move to Australia represents the latest chapter in her post-prime ministerial life, though her spokesperson emphasized the family maintains strong connections to New Zealand.
