Prime minister leaves job - 25th January 2023

New Zealand's prime minister is leaving her job. Jacinda Ardern became prime minister in 2017. But now she's too tired. She can't continue.

Ardern started the job very young. She was 37 years old. In her first year, she had a baby too.

The new prime minister had a hard job. New Zealand had three dangerous situations. People died from terrorism, a volcano and Covid. But Ardern made quick decisions. She saved lots of lives.

Ardern was popular around the world. She was in famous magazines. Many people liked her.

But now, her government's unpopular. Prices in New Zealand are going up. People are unhappy about this.

Some people feel sad. They think Ardern's a good leader. She made good choices for the country.

Ingrid: "I think she was an excellent leader, and I'm devastated that she's going, she's resigning."

Lia Correa: "I think she'll leave behind a really good legacy, cause like, she's a woman prime minister who kicked ass. She was awesome. She did everything she could during the pandemic. Kept a lot of people safe. Yeah, I think she's gonna have a great legacy."

But other people are happy. They want a new government. They want rules for businesses to change.

Craig: "I think her legacy internationally will be good. Locally, her reputation's gone. "

Business Owner: "As a business owner, this is a wonderful day. The restrictions and the extra compliance and extra tax of business that has happened, and especially staffing levels, where there's no immigrants, has with, left us all short, all stressed out, all mentally ill from not being able to run our businesses properly. And so, I see this as the most wonderful day for New Zealand."

Chris Hipkins will be prime minister. In October, people will vote for the next government.