Social media users and politicians have congratulated the Prime Minister, with many of them saying that it is "wonderful news for Jacinda Ardern, women and New Zealand".
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she is pregnant. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Ms Ardern, who became Prime Minister in October, announced this morning, via Instagram, that she and partner Clarke Gayford were expecting a baby in June.
Former prime minister Helen Clark was among the first of many to congratulate Jacinda Ardern on her pregnancy.
[ https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/348447/live-ardern-and-gayford-baby-news-a-happy-surprise Follow our live blog of the reaction and latest developments here.]
Ms Clark said via a tweet it was going to be a "super busy year" with "much to look forward to".
"Every #woman should have the choice of combining family & career."
Wishing @jacindaardern & @NZClarke all the best as they expect their 1st child in June: a super busy year coming up & much to look forward to. Every #woman should have the choice of combining family & career. https://t.co/Ma6B6OGXJe
— Helen Clark (@HelenClarkNZ) January 18, 2018
She was just one of many politicians to congratulate the Prime Minister.
Many others were also happy and emotional about the news, and the message this sends to working women and mothers in NZ.
Did the little tiny fish hook make anyone else teary? What lovely news. Go you guys x https://t.co/I6RiQdS6pc
— Kanoa Lloyd (@KanoaLloyd) January 18, 2018
Oh my god! My brain is exploding in the best way, a pregnant prime minister! What a way to break down limiting thoughts and pave the way for women in leadership! @jacindaardern pic.twitter.com/FgosmkyPsv
— Natalia Albert (@nataliaalbert) January 18, 2018
Amazing... In fact I’m kind of speechless for what this will come to mean for women of all ages – but in particular, girls who will grow up seeing this as normal for working women in complex leadership roles. https://t.co/SrjrS8Tyg3
— Esther Anatolitis (@_esther) January 18, 2018
So happy for PM @jacindaardern & @NZClarke !!! Fantastic news! Our world will be a bit brighter thanks to the light they will bring!
— Lissa Carlino (@EWallerCarlino) January 18, 2018
Jacinda and Clarke really are role modelling modern family life and I am HERE FOR IT! Thank you @jacindaardern & @NZClarke you legends https://t.co/r3EPOcnLMR
— Julia Claire (@JuliaCNicholson) January 18, 2018
Another reason @jacindaardern is such a great role model. https://t.co/8n51895zI9
— Georgia Christoforou (@GeorgiaC_13) January 18, 2018
Wonderful news for @jacindaardern, for women and for New Zealand! Lots to celebrate! https://t.co/Bxm8RFsfV8
— @kspwomen (@kspwomen) January 18, 2018
It makes me SO PROUD to live in a country where this is possible. Congratulations! ❤️❤️
— Vic ✨ (@cirquedevic) January 18, 2018
Boss. Absolute boss. Congrats prime minister @jacindaardern and the first Lad, @NZClarke https://t.co/tyyCmXyiZr
— Jay Bulletproof (@jaybulletproof) January 18, 2018
Some were busy figuring out the math for the time of conception.
oh my god it is *exactly* three months since Winston Peters announced Jacinda Ardern would be prime minister.
— Toby Manhire (@toby_etc) January 18, 2018
Others were pre-empting negative comments, and asking that we just enjoy the moment.
Before we’re inundated with dreary stories of ‘baby brain’ and ‘bubs need stay at home mums’ can we just enjoy the fact that @jacindaardern can be PM and pregnant and @NZClarke can be a stay at home Dad. Rocking gender roles right there. Bloody lovely. And of course, a baby!!
— lindaclark1 (@lindaclark1) January 18, 2018
Brilliant PM Jacinda Ardern will lead NZ while simultaneously creating a human being. The enevitable cries from men, that it will effect her ability to run the country, is exactly why men are not given divine power to create humans. Too stupid & lazy. Congrats PM! #WomanIsGod
— fuimaono-sapolu (@Eliota_Sapolu) January 18, 2018
I would just like to make a PSA: do not read the comments. Let's be happy in this bubble for a little while longer.
— Melanie Bracewell (@meladoodle) January 18, 2018
I'm stoked for Jacinda and Clarke, and also bracing myself for the inevitable handwringing from people that don't understand that we're no longer living in the Dark Ages. https://t.co/B2St8mIrUZ
— eSocSci (@eSocSci) January 18, 2018
There's already a poll as to which last name the baby should take (Ardern currently in the lead)
Last name options
— me, an intellectual (@LeonardoDGAFrio) January 18, 2018
And name suggestions are already coming in too.
Baby name suggestions for Jacinda and Clarke’s baby:
— Thotsferatu (@NatashaHoyland) January 18, 2018
- Helen Clarke Gayford
- Jack (pronounced like tax)
- Bee (short for beehive)
- Kereru (after robbed bird of the year)
- AWomanCanRaiseAChildWhileBeingPrimeMinisterOkSoStopFuckingAskingAboutItItIsUnacceptableAndStupid
