Our New Life With Neve

A year ago, Jacinda Ardern was making headlines as New Zealand’s new Prime Minister. She was also newly pregnant. Now, a year into her job running the country while also becoming a first-time mum, she talks to Emma Clifton about making history, finding life balance and her gratitude for others support.

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This time last year New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was one of only a handful of people who knew just how historic 2018 was going to be for her. Her prime ministership was already a big deal – she was the second youngest world leader, and one of only 20 women at the top.

So the eyes of the world were already on her. But she knew that spotlight glare was only going to get brighter. Because last Christmas, Jacinda was pregnant with her first child – and was going to be one of only two female political leaders, ever, to give birth while in office.

“At that point, no one else knew,” Jacinda says of her pregnancy.

Keeping the secret at such a family time of year wasn’t easy, but the good news was her morning sickness had finally started to pass. “I’d felt sick for a long time, so it was great to have a little time out and also feel good again. But this year is going to be a little different. We’ve got an extra member of our family, and I’m not holding any family secrets!”

Every time I have interviewed Jacinda over the past four years, she has been a bigger and bigger deal – and the interview logistics have followed suit. A quiet cul-de-sac in Mt Eden is lined with security cars and men with earpieces – as if something very formal and serious is taking place in the middle of suburbia. In reality, the Prime Minister is sitting down, drinking tea and chatting up a storm – her