Former prime minister Jacinda Ardern received one of New Zealand’s highest honors on Monday, recognizing her efforts in leading the country through the COVID-19 crisis, the terrorist attacks on two Christchurch mosques and the eruption of the White Island volcano.
Ardern was made a Dame Grand Companion, New Zealand’s second-highest honour, on King Charles’ birthday, which the country celebrates on June 5, and has entered the list of coronation honors for this year. The awardee is usually chosen in New Zealand by the Prime Minister and then approved by the British monarch, the head of state.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said Ardern had been recognized for her service during some of the greatest challenges New Zealand had faced in modern times. “Leading New Zealand’s response to the 2019 terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic has been a period of intense challenge for our 40th Prime Minister, during which I have seen first-hand that her commitment to New Zealand has remained absolute,” Hipkins said.
Ardern, who became prime minister in 2017, resigned in January in a shock announcement that she “no longer has what it takes” to lead New Zealand. Ardern said she felt “incredibly humbled” to receive the honor, but was in “two minds” to accept it because the efforts she was being recognized for were “about all of us rather than one individual”.
“But I’ve heard that said by so many Kiwis who I’ve encouraged over the years to accept the award,” Ardern said in a statement. “For me, it’s a way of saying thank you – to my family, my colleagues and the people who have supported me in taking on the most challenging and rewarding role of my life.”
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