25 Jan 2023

Jacinda Ardern says goodbye to top job

From Morning Report, 6:08 am on 25 January 2023

In her final outing as prime minister, Jacinda Ardern has bid farewell to the top job, describing it as the greatest privilege of her life. 

This morning, she will head to Government House and formally tender her resignation, paving the way for her successor Chris Hipkins. 

Tuesday's festivities at Rātana doubled as a de facto send-off for the outgoing Labour leader - as she was feted by fans among the movement's followers. 

Ardern also used her speech to pass the baton to Hipkins, who also spoke - promising to carry on as Ardern started. 

Hipkins and his deputy, Carmel Sepuloni, will be sworn in by the Governor General on Wednesday.