Labour leader Chris Hipkins conceded defeat to National Party’s Christopher Luxon. Observers say New Zealand ruling party's domestic policies “backfired”, leading to its defeat.
Ardern was named 'Dame Grand Companion', the second highest honour in New Zealand. The awardee is chosen in New Zealand by the PM & approved by British monarch, the head of state.
Ardern stepped down as PM in January saying she had 'no more in the tank' to lead the country and would also not seek re-election to parliament. She quit parliament earlier this month.
Ardern will serve as unpaid special envoy for Christchurch Call, an initiative she co-founded in 2019 to bring together nations and tech firms to combat extremism, govt said.
Hipkins was first elected to parliament in 2008 and was appointed minister for Covid-19 in November 2020. He was the minister for police, education and public service.
A Labour Party vote for a new leader will take place Sunday; the party leader will be PM until the next general election. Ardern's term as leader will conclude no later than 7 Feb.
Ardern, holding back tears, said that it had been a tough five and a half years as prime minister and that she was only human and needed to step aside.
Disenfranchisement by institutional fiat is profoundly undemocratic. The effect of the ECI's new documentary process in Bihar will tilt the scales in favour of the BJP.
Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.
India-Russia JV is also racing to deliver 7,000 more AK-203 assault rifles by 15 Aug. These are currently being made with 50% indigenisation and this will surge to 100% by 31 December.
Public, loud, upfront, filled with impropriety and high praise sometimes laced with insults. This is what we call Trumplomacy. But the larger objective is the same: American supremacy.
COMMENTS