Former Recent Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is now living and working in Australia with her family, a spokesperson has confirmed. The family has been travelling for a few years and is basing themselves in Australia for work, with the added benefit of increased opportunities to return to New Zealand.
Move Follows Reports of House Hunting
Speculation about a potential move to Australia arose after reports surfaced that Ardern, her husband Clarke Gayford, and their seven-year-classic daughter Neve, viewed properties in Sydney’s northern beaches. The move comes after Ardern resigned as prime minister in January 2023, stating she no longer had “enough in the tank.”
The move occurs as New Zealand experiences record numbers of citizens leaving the country, with over 60% of those emigrating choosing Australia. This is driven by a weak economy, high living costs, and high unemployment in New Zealand, where average weekly incomes are lower than in Australia. New Zealand citizens have work and residency rights in Australia.
Ardern’s Post-Premiership Activities
Since leaving office, Ardern has held dual fellowship roles at Harvard University, continued her work on the Christchurch Call – a project to combat online extremism – and joined the board of trustees of Prince William’s Earthshot prize. In 2025, she released a memoir and a documentary about her leadership premiered at Sundance.
The spokesperson noted that it is not unusual for former leaders to spend time overseas after leaving office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Jacinda Ardern to move to Australia?
A spokesperson confirmed that Jacinda Ardern is living in Australia with her family for work, and to allow for more frequent visits back to New Zealand. Speculation arose after the family was seen viewing properties in Sydney.
What was Jacinda Ardern’s role as Prime Minister?
Jacinda Ardern served as the 40th prime minister of New Zealand from 2017 to 2023. Her leadership was marked by responses to the Christchurch attack and the Covid-19 pandemic.
What has Jacinda Ardern been doing since leaving office?
Since resigning, Ardern has taken up fellowship roles at Harvard University, continued her work on the Christchurch Call, joined the board of trustees of Prince William’s Earthshot prize, released a memoir, and been the subject of a documentary.
As Ardern begins this new chapter, what impact might her continued work on the international stage have on New Zealand’s global standing?
