as prime minister at Rātana
“This is for him to carve out his own space, be his own leader," the outgoing prime minister said of her successor Chris Hipkins as she arrived for a final speech at Rātana.
Ardern said she was ready to be a backbench MP and step back from the “centre” of politics, during her last formal engagement in the top job.
Ardern praised the incoming leadership of Hipkins and Carmel Sepuloni.
“I can say hand on heart this is a group of exceptional people who have the privilege of leading New Zealand. I never did this job alone. I did it alongside these wonderful servants to New Zealand and I leave knowing you are in the best of hands,” Ardern said.
“I leave with a greater love of Aotearoa and its people than when I started.”
Link to video and article: Jacinda Ardern makes final speech as prime minister at Rātana | Stuff.co.nz
