Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s plans following the birth of her baby

The Prime Minister’s Office has released details of arrangements around the birth of the Prime Minister’s baby.

The baby – the first child for Jacinda Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford – is due on June 17.

While the couple are happy to share with the public some moments with their new baby they ask that media respect the family’s privacy in the weeks set aside to be together after the birth, and during private family moments.
The following details outline plans for the birth, and the following six weeks:

• Jacinda Ardern is planning to have the baby at Auckland Hospital.
• The couple will announce the birth. A formal announcement from the Prime Minister’s office will follow.
• There are contingency plans in place for the birth in the event the Prime Minister is not in Auckland.
• They will not be making other announcements or conducting any one-on-one interviews related to the birth prior to the birth.
• They will not be giving any exclusive media interviews, or offering any exclusive photo opportunities, prior to Jacinda Ardern’s return to work.
• There will, however, be an opportunity for media to take photos as they leave the hospital and the Prime Minister will answer a small number of questions.
• Due to the high level of interest, the Prime Minister will also give one round of interviews to major domestic media outlets close to the time she returns to work. This will be the only formal media opportunity in relation to the new baby.
Transition to Acting Prime Minister
At the point that Jacinda Ardern arrives at hospital to have the baby, Acting Prime Minister responsibilities will begin for Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.

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