Jacinda Ardern Relocates to Australia with Family
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has relocated to Australia with her family, a spokesperson for her office has confirmed. The move, undertaken for work-related reasons, provides the family with the benefit of increased time in New Zealand. Reports indicated that Ardern, her husband Clarke Gayford, and their daughter Neve were observed looking at properties in Sydney's northern beaches area.
Family Now Based in Australia
Jacinda Ardern, her husband Clarke Gayford, and their daughter Neve Gayford are now based in Australia. A spokesperson confirmed that the family has been traveling for several years and is establishing themselves in Australia due to work commitments. This arrangement is also stated to offer the benefit of increased time spent in New Zealand.
The family was reportedly observed attending open home viewings in Sydney's northern beaches suburbs, including Curl Curl and Freshwater. Before their relocation to Australia, the family had resided in the United States, where Ms. Ardern was affiliated with Harvard University.
Post-Premiership Roles and Projects
Since resigning as Prime Minister in January 2023, Jacinda Ardern has taken on several international roles and projects:
- She held dual fellowship roles at Harvard University.
- She continues her involvement with the Christchurch Call to combat online extremism.
- She joined the board of trustees for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize.
- In March 2025, she joined Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government as a Distinguished Fellow and member of its world leaders circle.
- She released a memoir titled "A Different Kind of Power" and a children's book, "Mum's Busy Work."
- A documentary covering her leadership premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Ardern's Six-Year Premiership
Jacinda Ardern served as Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2017 until her resignation in January 2023. At 37, she became one of the youngest female heads of government globally and was the second woman to give birth while holding elected office. Her six-year tenure included responding to significant national and international events such as the Christchurch mosque attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Towards the end of her premiership, her government faced criticism regarding progress on housing and emissions targets. Anti-vaccine and anti-mandate groups emerged during the pandemic, leading to protests. She announced her resignation, stating she no longer had the personal capacity to continue in the role.
Broader Context: NZ Emigration Trends
This relocation occurs during a period when New Zealand is experiencing a high number of its citizens emigrating. Factors attributed to this trend include economic conditions, high living costs, and unemployment within New Zealand.
Over 60% of these emigrants choose to move to Australia, where average weekly incomes are generally higher, and New Zealand citizens possess work and residency rights.
The spokesperson for Ms. Ardern did not provide specific details on the family's arrival in Australia or the precise nature of their work but noted that former leaders often spend time overseas after leaving office.