Friday, March 29, 2024

NZ PM Jacinda Ardern swore in for the second term

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was sworn in for a second term on Friday, along with her 20-strong new-look cabinet. Ardern and her ministers took their oaths of office in English and Maori during a ceremony at Wellington’s Government House.

The new cabinet includes eight women and members from the indigenous community. Nanaia Mahuta, who has a “moko kauae” – a traditional Maori tattoo on her chin is the new Foreign Minister.

Priyanca Radhakrishnan, an Indian origin is also included in Ardern’s ‘incredibly inclusive’ cabinet. The cabinet includes a new role of minister for COVID-19 response, filled by former Health Minister Chris Hipkins.

Former Finance Minister Grant Robertson was named deputy prime minister, the first openly gay person to hold the position.

Ardern’s Labour Party increased its majority to 65 seats from 64 in the 120-seat assembly, making her reelection historic. New Zealand is one of the few countries which effectively contained Covid19. Ardern’s success with Covid19 helped her lead Labour Party to its biggest win since World War II.

Jacinda won hearts across the world for her empathic response to Christchurch terror attack. She made a decisive action on gun control after a white supremacist killed 51 Muslims attacks last year.

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