Ardern stepping down as PM, general election date confirmed

Jacinda Ardern says she will be stepping down as prime minister no later than February 7 and has confirmed a date for this year’s general election – one likely to be watched by the automotive trade like never before

Ardern says she has given her “absolute all” to the role but it was now the time for her to resign.

“Being prime minister has been the greatest honour of my life and I want to thank New Zealanders for the enormous privilege of leading the country for the last five and a half years,” says Ardern.

“With holding such a privileged role comes responsibility, including the responsibility to know when you’re the right person to lead, and also when you’re not.  

“I have given my absolute all to being prime minister but it has also taken a lot out of me. You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along,” she adds.

“Having reflected over summer I know I no longer have that bit extra in the tank to do the job justice. It’s that simple.”

A caucus vote to elect a new party leader will be on Sunday January 22.

Political commentators have tipped transport minister Michael Wood as a potential candidate for leadership along with education and police minister Chris Hipkins.

Meanwhile, deputy leader and finance minister Grant Robertson released a statement saying he won’t be putting his hat in the ring for leadership.

“I have been a close-up witness to the extraordinary work that Jacinda has done as leader and prime minister.

“The level of intensity and commitment required of prime minister is an order of magnitude greater than any other role. It is a job that you must unequivocally want to do in order to do it the justice it deserves.

“I have every confidence that there are colleagues within the Caucus who are both capable of doing the role, and have the desire to take it on.  They will have my full support,” Robertson says.

General election date

Alongside the prime minister’s resignation announcement, Ardern confirmed October 14 as this year’s general election date.

With both National and ACT indicating they will make significant changes to the current ‘Clean Car’ system, a change in government will likely produce significant winners and losers amongst distributors and importers.