JAKARTA - Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday said an emotional goodbye on his last day as prime minister, talking about the kindness and empathy New Zealanders have shown him.
Not only that, Ardern also said that he was ready to become a sister and a mother.
Days after shocking the world by announcing he "no longer has the ability" to lead the country and will step down, the 42-year-old politician arrived at a meeting of Maori politicians and elders in the small town of Ratana, north of the capital Wellington.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the greatest privilege of my life," Ardern said in his speech.
Ardern officially left his post on Wednesday, replaced by the new Labor Party leader, Chris Hipkins.
Ardern, along with Hipkins and opposition politicians, made an annual visit to Ratana, where a week-long celebration was held for the birth of Prophet Maori Tahu Pharmacy Wiremu Ratana.
Wearing a black dress with a covered shoulder covered in Maori's traditional robe, called korowai, he led members of his entourage to the community grounds as the yellowing band played.
The speech and songs and dances that followed him made the elders speak with humor and warmth about Ardern.
"Thank you so much for teaching us to love quickly," one old man told Ardern.
Ardern replied, saying he had no plans to talk but the people there refused to give him a way out.
"My overall experience in New Zealand work and New Zealanders in this work is love, empathy, and kindness," he said.
Ardern was able to catch the attention of bringing the baby to a UN meeting, as well as wearing a headscarf after the massacre targeting Muslims.
Despite being the target of hate and online harassment by far-right extremists on social media, he said he left the job with love in his heart.
"I want you to know that I went with greater love and affection for New Zealand's Aotearoa and the people than when I started."
Before heading to the field, Ardern met the media for the last time as prime minister, smiling broadly as he refused to answer political questions, saying that it was now his successor's responsibility.
"I'm ready to be a lot of things. I'm ready to be MP's'supporter' (member of parliament). I'm ready to be brothers and sisters," he said.
It is known that Princess Ardern, Neve, is 4 years old and will start school in June.
Separately, Hipkins, the former minister of COVID New Zealand, is the only person nominated to take over as leader of the Labor Party. He was first elected to parliament in 2008.
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