New Zealand: Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern given title of ‘Lady’

One of New Zealand’s highest honors was received by the former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardernin recognition of her governance during the pandemic and her handling of the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch.

Ardern was named ‘Dame Grand Companion’, the second highest title in the New Zealand today is the day on which the birthday of the King of the United Kingdom Charles III is celebrated in the country. The recipient of this honor is usually chosen by the New Zealand Prime Minister and then approved by the British monarch, who is the head of state in New Zealand.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said Ardern was being honored for her service during some of the most serious challenges New Zealand has faced in modern times.

“Her leadership of New Zealand’s response to the 2019 terrorist attacks and the covid-19 pandemic were times of intense challenge for our 40th Prime Minister, during which I saw first-hand that her commitment to New Zealand remained unwavering”Hipkins pointed out.

Ardern was first elected prime minister in 2017 and in January abruptly resigned, saying she no longer had the strength to lead New Zealand.

The former prime minister, who has previously said she believes she will see New Zealand become a de facto democracy in her lifetime, said she had “second thoughts” about whether to accept the honour. Ardern stressed that the efforts for which she is being recognized “were about all of us and not about one person”.

“But I’ve heard a lot of New Zealanders say that, who I’ve encouraged myself to accept an honour.”she explained in a statement. “So for me this is a way of saying thank you – to my family, my colleagues and the people who have supported me in taking on the most challenging and rewarding role of my life.”