Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the age of 43 celebrated her marriage with long-time partner Clarke Gayford in a private ceremony held at Craggy Range Winery in the picturesque Hawke’s Bay, North Island on January 13.
The couple who have shared a decade together had initially planned to exchange vows in 2022 but had to postpone due to the stringent COVID-19 restrictions imposed by Ardern’s government. The intimate ceremony was graced by guests such as Ardern’s successor Chris Hipkins and unfolded against the scenic backdrop of Hawke’s Bay which is situated approximately 310km north of the capital city, Wellington.
About Ardern
Ardern served as the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand from October 2017 to January 2023. She became the leader of the Labour Party just weeks before the 2017 general election and led her party to victory, forming a coalition government with New Zealand First and the Greens.
Ardern is renowned for her resolute leadership, bid farewell to her role as prime minister in January after a five-year tenure that has been lauded by most. The wedding ceremony marked a significant personal milestone for her and she took the opportunity to address the attendees with a heartfelt five-minute speech. In her concluding parliamentary address, she added some humor by playfully urging her partner, Clarke Gayford, to formalize their relationship through marriage.
Post-resignation engagements and Global Initiatives
Post her resignation, Ardern delved into various engagements. She undertook three fellowships at Harvard University and assumed roles such as a trustee for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize and a special envoy for the Christchurch Call. The latter initiative was initiated in response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, seeks to eradicate violent extremist content from online platforms.
The couple are also parents to a five-year-old daughter named Neve and they exchanged vows in the natural setting of Craggy Range Winery on the east coast of North Island. Ardern’s leadership, particularly during the challenging aftermath of the Christchurch mosque shootings, garnered international acclaim. Despite stepping away from the prime ministerial role, she remains actively engaged in global initiatives, sustaining her influential presence both within New Zealand and on the international stage.
Protesters at Wedding
Some discontented anti-vax protesters outside the wedding venue held signs about the COVID-19 jab mandates. The ceremony was delayed due to pandemic concerns, and took place amidst her resignation from the prime ministerial role after citing exhaustion. Despite the challenges and external pressures, Ardern and Gayford decided to proceed with their long-planned plans and emphasized their personal milestones amidst broader national issues.
