On Monday, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was awarded the title of dame for her service to the country. This recognition comes just four months after her term ended. During her tenure, she became globally known for her compassionate approach to liberal politics. The title, Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, is the country’s second-highest honor and is granted annually on the King’s Birthday holiday. The honorees are usually chosen by the prime minister and approved by the British monarch, King Charles III, who is New Zealand’s head of state.
Initially, Ardern had considered declining the award, stating that the nation’s many challenges over the last five years had been a collective effort. She expressed her gratitude for her family, colleagues, and supporters who helped her during her most challenging and rewarding role as prime minister.
Ardern was recognized, in part, for her leadership and contributions in responding to the Christchurch terrorist attacks of March 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic – some of the country’s worst modern-day calamities, according to her successor, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. He commended Ardern for her unwavering commitment to New Zealand.
In January of this year, Jacinda Ardern announced that she would step down from office, explaining that she was exhausted and no longer had the energy required to perform her duties. The decision came just months before a general election, and as her center-left party’s popularity was falling.
Since leaving her position, Ardern has continued to work for the New Zealand government in an unpaid capacity, focusing on the country’s response to online extremism and terrorism. Additionally, she sits on the board of Prince William’s Earthshot environmental prize and will commence two fellowships at Harvard University later this year.
Ardern has now joined her predecessors, Sir Bill English and Sir John Key, as members of the Order of Merit. Another award, the Order of New Zealand, was granted to Queen Camilla, in line with New Zealand’s tradition. This honor is limited to a total of 20 recipients, including two former prime ministers, Helen Clark and Jim Bolger.
