Jacinda Ardern’s time as Prime Minister of New Zealand saw her lead the country through a myriad of challenges that ultimately defined her legacy as a leader.

No matter the crisis, no matter the complexity, Ardern was there to deliver for New Zealand and the world.

In her resignation speech, Ardern said she wanted to be remembered as a leader who pursued a different approach and reminded us all that “you can be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused”.

She also refreshingly noted that “you can be your own kind of leader. One that knows when it’s time to go”, when she conceded she no longer had enough in the tank to carry on.

Here’s a look back on Ardern’s unique imprint and the moments this brand of leadership– one that she arguably made famous– was needed most.

Christchurch attack
Back in 2019, the Christchurch terror attack saw the horrific murder of 50 Muslim worshippers. Ardern’s quick and measured response to such violence was applauded worldwide.

Labeling the incident nothing a terrorist attack and working quickly to ban semi-automatic rifles, Ardern used her power to take concrete action towards ensuring an incident like this would never again happen.

Donning a hijab, Ardern also met with victims and their families after the attack, standing in solidarity with the Muslim community and relaying the message: “You are us”.

White Island volcano eruption
Later in 2019, Ardern was tasked with leading through another disaster when White Island Volcano erupted, killing more than 20 people and injuring many others.

Soon after the disaster occurred, Ardern released a statement saying: “I know there will be a huge amount of concern and anxiety for those who have loved ones on or around the island at the time.”

“I can assure them that the police are doing everything they can.”

Ardern also praised the efforts of helicopter pilots who flew to the island shortly after the eruption, as well as all other emergency services people who stepped up to help.

Her focus was on the helpers, the victims’ and the victims’ family at a time when the utmost compassion was desperately needed.

Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic caused disruption worldwide, and a study out of the University of Queensland found that countries with female leaders reported 40 percent fewer Covid-19 deaths in 2020 than countries governed by men.

In New Zealand, Ardern’s pandemic strategy included many measures to keep communities safe. She put policies in place to eliminate the virus, collaborated with health experts and maintained open communication with the public.

In 2020, she and her parliamentary cabinet took a 20 percent pay cut in solidarity with those in other industries around the country who’d lost jobs due to the pandemic.

Climate change
Action on climate change was a forefront policy priority throughout Ardern’s leadership, and in a few short years she, and the Labor Party, delivered significant reforms.

In 2020, she declared a climate emergency in New Zealand and in 2021, the country became the first to require banks, investment managers and insurers to disclose the effects of climate change on their businesses.

Later in 2021, Ardern announced that New Zealand would reduce its net greenhouse emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

Having a baby while in office
Who could forget back in 2018 when Ardern gave birth to her daughter, Neve? She became only the second elected world leader to give birth to a child while in office. 

She took six weeks of maternity leave before returning to work. It was a particularly memorable moment when she took three-month-old Neve to the United Nations general assembly.

“I am not the first woman to multitask," Ardern said before she gave birth. “I am not the first woman to work and have a baby; there are many women who have done this before.”