Prime Minister (2025) Movie Script
(TRAFFIC RUMBLING)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (BIRDS CHIRPING)
JACINDA ARDERN:
What are you gonna do
at school today?
NEVE ARDERN GAYFORD:
Oh, I don't know.
JACINDA:
Do you think they'll give you
eclipse glasses?
- NEVE: Oh, yeah. They told me.
- JACINDA: Yeah, right.
- (ENGINE HALTING)
- (TIRES SCREECHING)
Put on your seatbelt.
Keep your hands to yourself.
- NEVE: Okay, bye.
- JACINDA: Okay, bye. Love you.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
- (BIRDS CHIRPING)
- (TRAFFIC RUMBLING)
JACINDA: You'll be
our future decision makers,
and leaders,
and it must be quite daunting
looking out at the challenges
that are in front of us.
There's so much change
that we want the world
to be simple again.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA: And part
of that oversimplification
is that we're much more inclined
to look at one another
in binary ways.
Good, evil.
Bad, right.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
It's meant that we've got
a hyper-partisanship now
that I think
can be really damaging.
It means
we don't work together as much.
It means we don't listen
and engage
in respectful debate
that we need.
And if we are to get back
to doing all of those things,
because we won't solve
the climate crisis unless we do,
we won't solve the conflict
in the Middle East unless we do,
we have to re-humanize
one another again.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
INTERVIEWER: (OVER RECORDER)
Recording identification,
this is an interview
for the Political Diary Project.
It's an interview
with Jacinda Ardern,
who's the deputy leader
of the Labour Party.
It's being recorded
on Monday 28th August, 2017.
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
INTERVIEWER: Are you worried?
I mean, how long is it
until the election?
- Two months, let's say.
- JACINDA: (OVER RECORDER) Yeah.
Yep.
- (SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
- (INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
- Labour is ready to win in 2017.
- (CROWD CHEERING)
REPORTER 1:
Labour's feeling the pressure
just eight weeks out
from the election.
Two poll results in two days
both have the party
on less than the 25 percent
Labour got
at the last election...
REPORTER 2:
All eyes have now turned
to the party's deputy leader,
Jacinda Ardern.
ANDREW LITTLE:
This is your moment, Jacinda,
step up to the plate,
or watch your party die.
INTERVIEWER:
There's a lot of talk about
you being the next leader
of the Labour Party,
the next female prime minister.
- Do you want to be that person?
- JACINDA: No.
And I absolutely support
Andrew Little
to do that job,
as opposed to me.
- INTERVIEWER:
But everyone says it--
- Yes, but I mean it.
(FAINT CHATTER)
- (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
- (STAFF MEMBER CHUCKLES)
Good morning, everybody.
I've just confirmed
to the Labour caucus
that I will step aside as leader
of the Labour Party.
There's no question
that the poll results
that came out last week
were disturbing,
and very, very disappointing.
- (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
- (REPORTERS CLAMORING)
REPORTER: Moving at
uncharacteristically high speed,
Labour completely changed
its leadership team this morning
following three disastrous
political polls.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Following Andrew's announcement
this morning,
I was nominated to be leader
of the Labour Party.
This team is about to run
the campaign of our lives.
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
JACINDA:
My whole journey in politics
has been a battle
with two sides of myself.
The one that says, "You can't,"
and then the one that says,
"But you have to."
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: I was 14 years old
when someone first used
the term, "imposter syndrome."
And it was
just like something clicked.
Suddenly, I had words
to describe how I'd felt
for every speech competition
I did,
or any challenge
where I just had
a bit of a seed of doubt
and a fear
that something might expose
that I shouldn't be there.
When I stood down there
for that press conference,
I waited for someone
to just stand up,
and say that outright.
"Why you?"
And they did.
I'm happy to take questions.
I'm sure there are many.
(REPORTERS CLAMORING)
REPORTER 1:
Yes, I am, Barry,
and my team
would not have selected me
if they didn't
believe that also.
REPORTER 2:
Yes. Would you like to tell me
why you don't think I can?
REPORTER 3:
Oh, look, look, everyone knows
that I've just accepted,
with short notice,
the worst job in politics.
(DARING MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: I had been
in opposition for nine years.
I had held
the justice portfolio,
the social development
portfolio.
I'd held corrections,
child protection,
small business, employment.
So, I had some experience
behind me.
(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
Did I come in with this view
that I needed
to particularly bring
my feminist leadership approach?
No, because I didn't actually
anticipate being a leader.
It was a little bit of a shock
to me seven weeks out
from a general election
in New Zealand.
There was no time
for me to redesign myself
in any particular way.
No one could come to me,
and say,
"Well, we've polled,
and focus-grouped,
and this is how you need
to present yourself
if you're going
to win the election."
- There was none of that.
- (CROWD CHEERING)
JACINDA: That meant
I could only be myself.
I remember distinctly
when I took over
as leader being told,
"Your job is just to save
the furniture."
No one thought it was plausible
that we could win.
- (THRILLING MUSIC PLAYING)
- (CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
SUPPORTER: Let's do this!
JACINDA: Are you with me?
- CROWD: Yeah!
- Let's do this!
(CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
JACINDA: We will remain
relentlessly positive
because I do believe
optimism and hope
is at our heart.
It is part of who we are
as New Zealanders.
On election night,
the outcome wasn't clear.
- (CROWD CHEERING)
- REPORTER: National has won
46 percent of the vote,
and a left-leaning coalition
of Labour,
- and the Greens, has 42 percent.
- (REPORTERS CLAMORING)
REPORTER:
Both sides need Winston Peters
to get to a majority.
The anti-immigration populist
holds all the cards
and will decide New Zealand's
next prime minister.
INTERVIEWER:
I do not want to be seen
to have made any compromise
to get into government
that involves immigration.
- INTERVIEWER: No.
I one hundred percent support--
- That's my problem.
I have a real strong view
on this.
(VOICE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY
OVER PHONE)
JACINDA: Mm.
Mm.
Of course they wanna put us
in a position to govern.
I think that we're
the best opportunity
to make the change
that New Zealanders need.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
In two and a half hours
possibly,
I'll know whether or not
I've successfully got Labour
into government.
I have waves
of incredible anxiety.
Not about losing,
but about winning.
...and some fine weather.
We've got all the details
coming up,
right now at six o'clock.
(THEME MUSIC
PLAYING OVER TV)
REPORTER: (OVER TV)
Speculation mounting
that Winston Peters
is about to announce
who'll form the next government.
(EXHALES)
WINSTON PETERS: (OVER TV)
We had a choice to make,
whether it was
either with National or Labour,
for a modified status quo,
all for change.
That's why in the end we chose
a coalition government
of New Zealand First
with the New Zealand
Labour Party.
- (GROUP CHEERING)
- ("YOUNG BLOOD" BY THE NAKED
AND FAMOUS PLAYING)
The bittersweet
Between my teeth
Trying to find
The in-between
- Fall back
In love eventually
- (GROUP CHEERING)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
JACINDA:
- (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
- (DREAMY MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA:
It would be a bit overwhelming
if I processed it properly
so instead, I just...
do all the things
that need to get done.
CLARKE GAYFORD:
Yep.
CLARKE:
I'm not even 40.
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
- (CHUCKLES)
You're not gonna force me
to process this this morning.
I don't have time.
CLARKE:
(LAUGHS)
I'm not doing this right now.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
Ms. Ardern, you have assured me
that you are able
to form a government
that can command the confidence
of the House of Representatives.
I now ask you to confirm
that you can form
such a government.
Yes, Your Excellency.
DAME PATSY REDDY: In that case,
I will proceed
with your appointment
- as Prime Minister.
- (CHUCKLES)
That gives effect
to your appointment
as Prime Minister.
Congratulations, Ms. Ardern.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
Thank you.
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(MUSIC TURNS UPLIFTING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
JACINDA: Every time
I got on a plane,
I would look out a window,
and I would think,
"Look at that
beautiful landscape.
From that mountain
to that river,
that is my responsibility."
(RAILWAY TRACKS RATTLING)
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
CONTINUES)
JACINDA: And I didn't sit
in anything for too long
for that period of time.
And now, I'm writing about it,
and I've got no choice
but to sit in it.
INTERVIEWER: (OVER RECORDER)
Okay, so we're recording now.
This is interview number one,
file one.
JACINDA: Back in 2017,
I got a call
from some archivists
at the Turnbull Library saying,
"We've been interviewing
various people in politics."
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
When you were first asked
whether you'd take part
in this diary project,
what made you say yes?
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
I didn't want him to resign.
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
Think about what you wanna say.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
You know, as someone
who loves history,
I thought one day
I'm sure I'd really like
to look back on this.
Having those recordings
really take me back to a moment
in a way that I don't imagine
many other things could.
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA:
For that first period of time,
I felt the need
to demonstrate that
I was the right person
for the job,
that I just had to prove myself.
(HOPEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: Political cycles
in New Zealand,
they're so short.
I have three years
to do as much as we can,
so there's just no time.
(MOUSE CLICKING)
JACINDA: Climate change
is the greatest challenge
facing this generation.
We had a significant
100-day plan.
Today, we announced
that we will
no longer be granting
any new off-shore oil and gas
exploration permits.
I'm on record as having stated
that child poverty
and child poverty reduction
is one of the reasons
that I was motivated
to get into politics,
and ultimately, into this House.
Putting in renters' rights,
extending paid parental leave,
the first year
of university free,
mental health.
These are going to be
our priorities.
All of that
in a hundred days, and more.
But in the back of my mind,
I thought,
"How am I gonna do this
with a baby?"
(MUSIC CONCLUDES)
(CRICKETS CHIRPING)
JACINDA: It's very jarring
turning your pregnancy
into a press statement.
CLARKE:
Um, I think the people
who don't like me
will be a bit harsh. (CHUCKLES)
I'm a bit anxious about it,
but I can't hide it forever,
can I?
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
- (CHUCKLES)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- Oh, look!
- (LAUGHS)
- (CROWD LAUGHING)
Well, this is--
Well, this is normal.
- (CHUCKLES)
- (CROWD LAUGHS)
JACINDA: Welcome, everyone,
for a somewhat
unusual announcement.
Um, Clarke and I
are really excited to share.
In June, we're looking forward
to welcoming our first child.
REPORTER:
- Clarke? (LAUGHS)
- (CROWD LAUGHING)
Wow! I like the idea
that we're doing
everything in reverse.
We bought a house together,
then we're having a baby,
and we'll see.
- (CROWD LAUGHING)
- (CHUCKLES)
(SINGING TO THE TUNE
OF "ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA")
...Ardern
REPORTER:
Prime Minister of New Zealand,
and Mr. Clarke Gayford.
JACINDA: Your Majesty,
it is my great honor
to offer a toast
to the Commonwealth.
(CHOIR CONTINUES SINGING)
JACINDA: Our Commonwealth
is uniquely placed to offer
a strong voice
on the global stage
at a time
of change and uncertainty.
RADIO HOST 1: 0800-80,
try to keep those calls
coming through this.
CALLER 1:
RADIO HOST 1:
Jeremy Marcus, hello.
CALLER 2:
RADIO HOST 1: Yes, although
I can't think of any jobs
that women with young children
have not managed to do.
CALLER 2:
- (KIDS CHEERING)
- RADIO HOST 2: 0800-801080
is the number to call.
Clive says,
"I think it's a disgrace.
Her choice to be Prime Minister
should take priority
over motherhood.
And no, you can't do both jobs,
and do both justice."
(SINGING CONCLUDES)
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
- (CHUCKLES)
- See? "Belly bump biscuits."
- CLARKE: Yeah, well...
(CLARKE CHUCKLES)
CLARKE: (CHUCKLING)
HEALTH CARE ADVISOR:
And as you push and push,
and then
with the next contraction,
and we encourage
the head to come down
to pop the shoulder free
of here.
And the baby will just slip out
very easily,
and up onto you.
Up, and it just comes up here.
CLARKE:
Can you rest things on...
(SERENE MUSIC PLAYING)
- Oh, yeah.
- CLARKE:
...while you're sitting down?
I've been able to do that
for ages.
(CLARKE LAUGHS)
- (LAUGHS)
- (CLARKE LAUGHS)
CLARKE:
(JACINDA LAUGHS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
- (NEVE CRYING)
- JACINDA: Oh, good.
Oh, good.
(JACINDA SPEAKING SOFTY)
Oh!
(GASPS)
Oh! She's gorgeous.
(WHISPERING)
I figured I had to get her out
so that you could hold her.
- We think we...
- LAURELL ARDERN:
- LAURELL:
- Mm-hmm.
Oh!
- That's...
- JACINDA: That's what mum says
when she's processing.
- "Neve."
- Yeah.
- Yeah, it is.
- Oh!
"Leith"?
JACINDA:
Oh, lovely. Lovely!
(SERENE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING) Mm-hmm.
JACINDA:
- (CHUCKLES)
- INTERVIEWER: Aw.
"Working & Breastfeeding
Made Simple."
But I think anything
that is simple
doesn't require 300...
- 369 pages of explanation.
- (CLARKE LAUGHS)
- (NEVE COOS)
- (SERENE MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA:
I'm determined to breastfeed...
'cause otherwise,
there's no reason
to have her at work.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA: Didn't bring
the muffins that the...
- neighbor made for us.
- CLARKE: Ah.
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Thank you.
- BYSTANDER: Morning!
- JACINDA AND CLARKE: Morning!
- JACINDA: How are you?
- Good, thank you.
(CHUCKLES)
- Leroy!
- LEROY: Hey!
- JACINDA: How are you?
- I'm very well.
JACINDA: Aw!
- Good, nice to see you.
- (BOTH KISS)
- Welcome back. (CHUCKLES)
- Thanks!
- Say hello to Uncle Chris.
- Oh!
Okay.
- Okay.
- See you guys later.
- Okay, team.
- We missed you.
Thank you, thank you.
I missed you.
- (LAUGHS) I missed you.
- (GROUP LAUGHS)
I did miss you guys.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)
STAFF MEMBER: There's confidence
in the housing market
coming off
of international developments.
Yep. (KISSES)
CLARKE: Yep.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
(NEVE FUSSES)
CLARKE:
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
SPOKESPERSON: We'd been hearing
a few mean-minded,
mingy individuals
carrying on about
whether she had the right
to have a baby,
and run the country
at the same time.
Wouldn't it be lovely
if somehow...
Jacinda had a cloak
of her own...
to keep her warm...
to protect her back...
to guard her
from the slings and arrows
of outrageous commentators.
Other women saying...
to our gorgeous
prime minister...
"Don't worry. Stand tall.
We have your back."
(MUSIC TURNS PENSIVE,
INTENSIFIES)
- (SIRENS WAILING)
- (MUSIC FADES)
(CARS HONKING)
(SIRENS CONTINUE WAILING)
DONALD TRUMP: Today, I stand
before the United Nations
General Assembly
to share the extraordinary
progress we've made.
In less than two years,
my administration
has accomplished more than
almost any administration
in the history of our country.
- America is... So true.
- (ASSEMBLY LAUGHING)
I didn't expect that reaction,
but that's okay.
(ASSEMBLY LAUGHING, APPLAUDING)
TRUMP: America is governed
by Americans.
We reject the ideology
of globalism.
Our position has been
we see ourselves
as members
of an international community.
REPORTER 1:
Doesn't it concern you
that diplomatically
it may cause
a bit of a rift with Washington?
No, I think it's important
that we always maintain
an independent
foreign policy line.
We need to speak
to New Zealand values,
regardless of what
any other world leader
tends to think,
or their position.
REPORTER 1:
Do you like Donald Trump?
Oh, look,
I don't know Donald Trump.
I know the President
of the United States.
And we are united by the fact
that each of our countries
has experienced
some jarring effects
of globalization.
We're just choosing
to respond differently.
Do you like the President
of the United States?
JACINDA: Uh, look,
it's an irrelevant question.
REPORTER 2: No, it's not really.
Popularity aside,
do you like the current US--
JACINDA: It actually is.
I'm here
to represent New Zealand.
This isn't a popularity contest.
(SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
REPORTER 1: You've heard of
Take Your kids to Work Day,
but a world leader
made a statement
when she brought her baby
to the United Nations.
REPORTER 2:
That's right, a baby.
Ardern is
the second world leader
to give birth in office,
and now, the first
to bring her baby to the UN.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
- ANNOUNCER: The Prime Minister
of the Kingdom of Morocco.
- (CROWD APPLAUDING)
ANNOUNCER: The Prime Minister
of New Zealand.
The Prime Minister
of the Kingdom of Norway.
JACINDA: It's clear
that a big focus
for the Secretary-General
is the issue of climate change.
And in that regard,
he acknowledged the role
that New Zealand is playing,
- and will continue to play.
- REPORTER: How's Neve?
Well. Probably more well-rested
than I am.
All right. Thanks, everyone.
Thank you.
REPORTER 1:
It does really feel like
all eyes are on Jacinda Ardern.
She has kind of a celebrity
circuit of sorts here.
REPORTER 2: Big week, of course,
for the Prime Minister.
She's very much in New York.
She's very much going to be
like the new squeezy toy
in the toy shop.
They're all gonna want
to touch her and meet her,
and shake hands,
and, "Oh, where's the baby?"
There's the novelty factor.
Did you ever imagine
that the perfectly normal act
of a woman giving birth
would be so incredibly viral
all over the world,
and everybody just wants
to talk to you about that?
JACINDA: No, no,
but I have to accept that
when it comes to world leaders,
it was rare.
INTERVIEWER: I've been amazed
by some of the incredible sexism
that you've received
from your own media at home
- about this issue.
- JACINDA: Hmm.
INTERVIEWER: Oh,
can a mother be prime minister?
Can a pregnant woman do the job?
Can a new mother
talk about climate
and refugees and trade,
and all the things
that you're talking about?
JACINDA:
- (CRIES)
- Aw!
CLARKE: Aw, don't...
She is just not having it
at the moment.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
CLARKE: Come here.
Then it'll come from a bottle.
(JACINDA SIGHS, MUMBLES)
We're fussy.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
JACINDA:
- (SIRENS WAILING)
- JACINDA:
(SHUSHES)
(TRAFFIC RUMBLING, HONKING)
- (BLOW DRYER WHIRRING)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
STEPHEN COLBERT: I understand
you were on the floor
of the General Assembly.
You were seated
at the General Assembly
when Donald Trump
gave his address.
JACINDA: I was.
He says that
people weren't laughing at him,
they were laughing with him.
What-- what...
- did you experience...
- (AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
...as someone in the room?
Are you trying to create
a diplomatic incident
- here right now? (LAUGHS)
- (AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
- Maybe I'm gonna
diffuse one right now.
- JACINDA: Yeah. (LAUGHS)
STEPHEN: So, there was
a little laugh,
and then there was
a bigger laugh.
So, there was a little laugh,
and he said,
"I didn't expect that response,"
and then there was
a bigger laugh.
- Then people laughed with him.
- (AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
- Second... The second time.
- On the second one.
The second one,
people were laughing with him.
- JACINDA: Yes. That is true.
- Okay.
- That was
very diplomatically stated.
- This is my testimony.
- Very nice.
- (LAUGHS)
No war between the United states
and New Zealand then?
- No, peace loving nation.
- But the first laugh?
The first laugh?
First laugh was
a spontaneous murmur amongst...
(AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
- It was spontaneous.
- ...some people.
- Spontaneous among the people,
with each other.
- Yes. But I'm a...
- Amongst themselves.
- Amongst themselves.
- Yes. (CHUCKLES)
- (AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
- And you joined in?
- No, I observed.
(AUDIENCE LAUGHING, APPLAUDING)
(TRAFFIC RUMBLING, HONKING)
JACINDA: I am an incredibly
proud New Zealander.
Much of that pride
has come from being
a strong and active member
of our international community.
- (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
- JACINDA: We are not isolated.
Governments do have obligations
to their people and each other,
and our actions
have a global effect.
Mr. Speaker, I cannot pinpoint
when exactly my interest
in politics began,
but I know it began young.
This is my old street.
We moved here
when I was pretty young.
My memories of that place
are vivid.
I knew that a lot of people
had lost their jobs,
but I didn't understand
that it was down
to the privatization
of the forestry industry,
and the complete lack
of central government support.
Even though I was really young,
I remember seeing
what that did to the town,
the social costs
of unemployment.
My passion for social justice
came from what I saw.
My love of politics came
when I realized
that it was the key
to changing what I saw.
Together, we must rebuild
and recommit to multilateralism.
If I could distill it down
into one concept
that we are pursuing
in New Zealand,
it is simple
and it is this, kindness.
In the face of isolationism,
protectionism, racism,
the simple concept
of looking outwardly
and beyond ourselves,
of kindness and collectivism,
might just be as good
a starting point as any.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(SIRENS WAILING)
REPORTER 1: It's chaos here
in Hagley Park, really.
You can probably hear
the sirens going past me
as ambulances rush
to and from the mosque.
We haven't confirmed
the number of injuries,
but I have spoken to a man,
a witness.
He'd run from the mosque,
climbing a fence
to get to safety.
He told us that he had seen
four women lying on the floor
of the mosque, covered in blood.
REPORTER 2: We are breaking
into normal programming
right now
for some disturbing news
from Christchurch.
There has been
a major shooting incident
with reports of gunmen
firing near mosques
in the center of the city.
REPORTER 3:
There are unconfirmed reports
as many as 27 people are dead,
including children.
There were 500 people
in the mosque
at the time of the shooting.
- (INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
- (PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
This is interview number 14,
file one.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
All right, um... (SIGHS)
Well, it's a week
since those horrible attacks
in Christchurch.
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
How's it been for you this week?
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
Clearly what has happened here
is an extraordinary
and unprecedented
act of violence.
Many of those who will have been
directly affected
by the shooting
may be migrants to New Zealand.
They may even be refugees here.
They have chosen to make
New Zealand their home,
and it is their home.
They are us.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)
JACINDA:
It is with extreme sadness
that I tell you
that as at 7:00 p.m. tonight,
we believe that 40 people
have lost their lives.
It is clear that
this can now only be described
as a terrorist attack.
(SIRENS WAILING)
We are a proud nation
of more than 200 ethnicities,
160 languages,
and amongst that diversity,
we share common values,
and the one that we place
the currency on right now,
and tonight, is our compassion,
and the support
for the community
of those directly affected
by this tragedy.
And secondly, the strongest
possible condemnation
of the ideology
of the people who did this.
You may have chosen us,
but we utterly reject
and condemn you.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING)
JACINDA:
It was close to 24 hours
since the shooting,
and bodies were still lying
in the mosques.
And that, of course,
was because the police
were doing their jobs.
But for those who were members
of the Muslim community,
their priority
was immediate burial.
And so, people were
understandably distraught
about the delay.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- CIVILIAN 1: Yeah, yeah.
JACINDA: The vast majority
of family members
were at the crisis
response center.
I just remember feeling
the heat of the room.
So many people packed
into one space,
and just the nervous energy,
and the grief.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA: Huge amounts of grief.
Everyone in there
knew someone who had died.
(CIVILIAN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
Everyone will have
the opportunity to...
JACINDA: Everyone became quiet.
But then I realized, of course,
I had to say something.
(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
JACINDA: There was no one else
to hand the microphone to.
(MUSIC FADES)
Go on, Prime Minister.
- Assalamu alaikum.
- CROWD: Wa'alaikumussalam.
Peace be upon you,
peace be upon all of us.
I'm here today...
to bring with me the grief
of all of New Zealand.
And there is huge grief
in this nation
that we share with you
on your behalf.
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
You want your loved ones back.
And I know that there are
religious considerations
with their burial.
Tell people what you know.
Even if it's hard,
tell people what you know.
And so, I told people
that, yes...
you know,
the names would be released,
and the bodies would be taken,
but they wouldn't be
released quickly.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CIVILIAN SOBBING)
JACINDA: When I was told
that he was an Australian
who purposely came in
to target our Muslim community
in some kind of attempt
to create a war amongst people,
or to other them,
I remember feeling
just so angry.
I mean, you're devastated
at what's happened,
but at the same time,
I just felt angry.
But I genuinely questioned
whether or not I was allowed
to kind of show emotion
like that.
My job was to be...
the calm voice,
the voice who shared
the facts, you know?
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
REPORTER 1:
The Prime Minister's response
to the attack left
a lasting impression on Muslims.
REPORTER 2:
She was asked by President Trump
what support
the United States can provide.
Her response,
sympathy and love
for all Muslim communities.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA: "I personally thank you
who support our community.
I literally cried every time
I watched you on TV,
and gave a speech.
Also, I apologize
that because of our existence,
my appearance,
my coming to your country,
has made your country
become unsafe for everyone."
I still find it quite hard
to comprehend
that you could have...
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
That there could be
so many people who die...
(SNIFFLES)
...and then people thank you.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
It just makes me feel
incredibly sad.
People shouldn't have
to thank you
for a humane response.
That should be your expectation.
And it just says to me
how little I understood
of the experience
of Muslim communities...
that it would be worth
commenting on.
(MUSIC CONCLUDES)
(CROWD APPLAUDING)
("PEACE TRAIN"
BY CAT STEVENS PLAYING)
CAT STEVENS:
Oh, I've been smiling lately
Dreaming about
The world as one
And I believe it could be
Someday, it's gonna come
'Cause out
On the edge of darkness
There rides a peace train
Oh, peace train
Take this country
Come take me home again
'Cause I've been
Smiling lately
Thinkin' about
The good things to come
And I believe it could be
Something good has begun
Oh, peace train
Sounding louder
Glide on the peace train
Ooh, ooh, ooh!
Come on, peace train
Peace train, holy roller...
JACINDA: Today,
as the country grieves,
we are seeking answers.
I want to speak specifically
about the firearms used
in this terrorist act.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
I'm advised that there were
two semi-automatic weapons,
and two shotguns.
The offender was in possession
of a gun license.
I can tell you
one thing right now,
our gun laws will change.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: I didn't even know
if I had the numbers.
I've got a government
that requires three parties
to agree on everything
that we do,
and I represent one of them.
But it didn't matter.
I thought,
"I'm just gonna make this work."
JUDITH COLLINS:
You can get 140 rounds
in a magazine.
They're like a round thing,
like a Gatling gun.
That's not okay for New Zealand,
and we will stand against them.
DAVID SEYMOUR:
This bill is not an attempt
to improve public safety.
It is an exercise
in political theater.
If there were suggestions
that we shouldn't be banning
attack rifles,
or military-style
automatic weapons,
I'd like to hear
those arguments.
Regardless of the number
that are in circulation,
our goal is to get as many
as we can out of circulation.
REHANNA ALI: Whatever reasons
might be brought to bear
for not supporting
this legislation
can never outweigh
the 50 reasons
we carry with us today.
(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA: We are here
just 26 days
after the most devastating
of terrorist attacks
in New Zealand's history.
When I visited the hospitals
and the victims,
none of them
had just one gunshot wound.
In every case,
they spoke of multiple injuries,
multiple debilitating injuries.
I could not fathom
how weapons that could cause
such destruction,
and large-scale death
could have been obtained legally
in this country.
Fifty people died
and they do not have a voice.
We in this House
are their voice.
And today, Mr. Speaker,
we have used that voice wisely.
- (UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING)
- (LAWMAKERS APPLAUDING)
SPEAKER: The ayes are 119,
the noes are one.
(LAWMAKERS APPLAUDING)
JACINDA: Today, I'm announcing
that New Zealand will ban
all military-style
semi-automatic weapons.
We will also ban
all assault rifles.
We will ban
all high-capacity magazines.
REPORTER 1: Folks are truly
stunned this morning
by how quickly
New Zealand is moving
to change its gun laws.
REPORTER 2:
Prime Minister of New Zealand
has announced immediate action
to ban assault weapons.
REPORTER 3:
New Zealanders have turned in
more than 50,000 guns.
The country's buyback program
ended at midnight...
REPORTER 4: Even President Obama
couldn't do that
in the United States
after the massacre of children
at Sandy Hook.
REPORTER 5:
The overnight announcement
getting attention
from both sides
of the gun debate in the U.S.
(UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
JACINDA: It's gonna dance...
and it's gonna make a noise.
(CHRISTMAS MUSIC PLAYING
OVER SPEAKER)
- (JACINDA CHUCKLES)
- (CLARKE LAUGHING)
("SLEIGH RIDE"
PLAYING OVER SPEAKER)
JACINDA: Oopsie!
("FEVER"
BY ALDOUS HARDING PLAYING)
- (CLARKE WHISTLES)
- JACINDA: Ooh!
- (LAUGHS)
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
- It looks good.
- I think it looks good.
- Do you like it?
- Yeah.
INTERVIEWER: Can you tell us
about the proposal?
JACINDA:
...been so tired
You said, "You bet"
JACINDA: Mr. Speaker,
it's time to change
New Zealand's
outdated abortion laws.
Abortion should not be a crime
in this country.
Please show us
your respect for women.
Show us you recognize
we're capable of deciding
what's right for us.
Give us our dignity back.
The ayes are 68,
the noes are 51.
The ayes have it.
- Unlock the doors.
- (LAWMAKERS CHEER, APPLAUD)
Unlock the doors.
CLERK:
Abortion legislation bill...
("FEVER" CONTINUES PLAYING)
I still stare at you
In the dark
Hi there,
this is Jacinda speaking.
NEVE: Hi!
CLARKE: Oh! There she goes.
Right behind you.
- Oh!
- Ooh!
(GIGGLES)
CLARKE: (GIGGLES) Whoa.
(SONG FADES)
(HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(VOLCANO RUMBLING)
REPORTER 1:
Sudden and deadly volcano
erupting on an island
in New Zealand.
REPORTER 2:
Twenty-two people were killed.
The others suffered
severe burns.
JACINDA: It is now clear
that there were two groups
on the island,
those who were able
to be evacuated
and those who were close
to the eruption.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
- (MUSIC FADES)
- (WIND WHISTLING FAINTLY)
JACINDA: I remember
coming into the office
at the beginning of 2020
after a really hard year,
and saying, "I have a new mantra
for the year.
I'm going to be Zen.
It's my goal for this year.
I'm just gonna take everything
in my stride,
everything that comes our way."
And then two months later,
COVID arrived.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(NEVE SQUEALING, LAUGHING)
JACINDA:
Our health professionals
are telling us that, look,
despite the geopolitical issues,
of course, that this
has fundamentally changed
the world, potentially.
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA: Take a deep breath.
Like, take a deep breath,
because what--
He just told me that a fight...
there was a brawl
that police were called to,
because a Chinese man
sneezed in Australia.
And what is this gonna do?
It's just horrific.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
I just feel sorry for myself
listening to that
'cause I just have no idea
what's coming.
Absolutely no idea.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: New Zealand
is in a very unique position
where we only have six cases
at the moment.
Six cases, two probables,
which makes us pretty unique.
But every other country
in the world
has started out like this,
and then it's gone extreme.
So, today, we're basically
gonna close the borders. (SIGHS)
We will have the most stringent
border controls
in the world at that point.
(BABBLING)
JACINDA:
There's different models
going on at the moment.
Boris Johnson
is taking the approach
of the only choice
is to allow this
to sweep through the country
and get it over and done with.
So, he's not altering
any border controls.
He's basically telling people
that they're going to die...
and that he is going
to try and ease
the suffering of people
who have it.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA:
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA:
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
- (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
- JACINDA:
- (EXHALES SHARPLY)
- STAFF MEMBER: You'll be okay?
Yeah.
- (BREATHES DEEPLY)
- CLARKE: Oh, honey.
ADVISOR: I think you'll be asked
why didn't you go two days ago,
and I think that's the answer.
I think the answer
is we will be...
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA: No, if they ask me
what powers,
I'll say we're using
the Public Health Act,
I'll be issuing
an epidemic notice,
and we're also moving
in level four to a state
of national emergency.
(EXHALES)
(EXHALES)
- (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING)
- JACINDA: Good afternoon.
We currently have 102 cases.
If community transmission
takes off in New Zealand,
the number of cases will double
every five days.
If that happens,
our health system
will be inundated
and tens of thousands
of New Zealanders will die.
We have always said
we would act early,
decisively, and go hard.
- (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
- JACINDA: Our plan is simple.
We can stop the spread
by staying at home
and reducing contact.
Non-essential businesses
in New Zealand
must now close.
All bars, restaurants,
cafes, playgrounds,
any other place
where the public congregate
must close
their face-to-face function.
Thank you
for all that you're about to do.
Please be strong, be kind,
and unite against COVID-19.
(MUSIC BUILDS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
JACINDA: If I was going to lead
through this pandemic,
I needed to understand
that illness
as well as anyone else.
If things went wrong,
it was my job to try and fix it.
- (MUSIC FADES)
- CLARKE:
(SCOFFS) See? No pressure.
(NEVE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
There you go.
(NEVE BABBLES)
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
JACINDA: Growing up, my dad,
you know, over summer,
he would, you know,
it was the time
when he would read something
other than the newspaper
every night,
and he would read these books
on Antarctic exploration.
(FILM PROJECTOR RATTLING)
JACINDA: From what they called
"The Heroic Age."
I just loved those stories.
Ernest Shackleton
was an Antarctic explorer
who set off in 1914
to be the first person
to make a land-based crossing
of the Antarctic continent.
But his ship became stuck
in pack ice.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
CONTINUES)
JACINDA:
As a leader, he was so focused
on how he could maintain
collective optimism.
He was really focused
on how the team
would come together.
Instead of achieving his goal,
his entire focus became
saving the lives of those
who were with him.
- (MUSIC FADES)
- (EXPLORERS CHATTERING)
(WIND HOWLING FAINTLY)
JACINDA: I had the very best
scientific advice,
the best public health advice,
great ministers.
But...
it still sat squarely on me.
CLARKE:
- Yep.
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
Yep.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
JACINDA: I just need
to focus on the evidence,
and the science,
and the modeling, and...
the right thing to do.
This is sitting between me
and going to sleep now.
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
- This and you. Sorry.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
CONTINUES)
Are you fake carrying
- washing around the room?
- Yes, I am.
(BOTH LAUGH)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
- CLARKE: Good luck.
- Okay, see you.
(CLARKE CHUCKLES)
JACINDA:
Today, there are no active cases
in New Zealand.
NEVE:
JOURNALIST:
...your immediate reaction
when you heard there were
no active cases of COVID-19
remaining in New Zealand?
Um, I... I did a little dance.
REPORTER 1:
With no active cases,
crowds can now gather
wherever, whenever.
REPORTER 2: In New Zealand,
the pandemic doesn't exist.
No face masks,
no social restrictions,
no hospitals in crisis.
ANDREW CAMPBELL:
What is it? Why?
What is it I'm doing that...
CAMPBELL:
It's not a moral,
it's a science-based response.
JACINDA: What, life over money?
CAMPBELL:
Yeah.
(APPLAUSE)
JACINDA:
(ALL LAUGH)
Neve, when she sees me
pick this up, says,
- "Bye-bye, see you tomorrow."
- (ALL LAUGH)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
STAFF MEMBER: Hello, Neve.
(JACINDA SIGHING)
INTERVIEWER:
JACINDA: (RECORDING, CHUCKLES)
Um...
(NEVE BABBLING)
JACINDA:
(PERFORMERS HARMONIZING)
(CONTINUE HARMONIZING)
(AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
CLARKE: I don't know
if you know what it's like
to try and have
a disagreement with someone
who has just been voted
the world's
most eloquent leader.
(AUDIENCE LAUGHING, CHEERING)
Please welcome to the stage
my not-quite-wife,
the Prime Minister
of New Zealand, Jacinda.
- (AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
- (UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING)
REPORTER:
There are 17 days to go
in a COVID-19 election.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(CROWD CHUCKLING)
Oh, no.
So... (CHUCKLES)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA:
Actually, do you know what?
WORKER:
Is it? Oh, thank you.
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA:
I remember election night
watching seats coming in for us
that never come in for us.
- Yes!
- (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: And being, you know,
amazed by that.
COMMENTATOR: Wow! Auckland
is her best place to win.
(CELL PHONE BUZZING)
Here we go, guys.
(CLARKE SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Evening, Judith.
(JUDITH SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY
OVER PHONE)
Thank you.
I really appreciate that,
Judith.
You look after yourself.
Take care. Bye.
Let's summarize that as brief.
"I'm just calling
to congratulate you.
You've done brilliantly.
You've done really well."
CLARKE:
I think that was a concession.
(CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
JACINDA: Tonight...
New Zealand has
shown the Labour Party
its greatest support
in at least 50 years.
(CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
I didn't expect Saturday.
(CHUCKLES)
Uh, and maybe
that's because we spent
so much time
taking nothing for granted
that I genuinely
took nothing for granted.
I don't want you
to think for a moment
that it was just
because of a pandemic.
It's because of the way
we got us
through a pandemic.
Crises make governments
and they break governments.
And I think we just displayed
what we're made of.
And what we're made of
is compassion, and empathy,
and a real drive
to do things for others.
(CROWD CHEERING)
(MUSIC TURNS UPLIFTING)
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
Probably a good time to ask you
how you're feeling
about the job now.
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
- (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
- (SIRENS WAILING)
JACINDA:
We knew the rest of the world
was in a horrific winter,
in the middle
of managing COVID.
And here we were,
so lucky, out in the sun.
Just a couple
of days before New Year's
and I'm standing on a stage
at a concert.
There was this euphoria
that you could tell was there
because of what people
had gone through that year.
Just the sheer joy that here
was everyone out together.
I looked out and thought,
"Oh my gosh,
what if one person
in that crowd has COVID?"
Every time I saw
some people's names on my phone,
I thought,
"Oh no, have we got a case?
Have we got a case?"
If I was in a meeting
and a staff member walked out,
I would think,
"We've got a case."
It haunted me.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
We've had a phone call,
another COVID outbreak.
- I wanna go! (SOBBING)
- No, no, no, darling.
- We're going soon.
- (SOBBING) I wanna go.
JACINDA: We made the decision
to move Auckland
to alert level three
for a period of seven days.
New Zealand will move
to alert level four
from 11:59...
...move to level two at 11:59...
REPORTER 1: She's the darling
of the liberal left
and she likes lockdowns.
REPORTER 2:
Most authoritarian leader
that country has ever had
and no one else comes close.
JACINDA:
(MUSIC TURNS PENSIVE)
I just don't understand
how anyone could assume
that I'm so cavalier
about having a whole city
and over a million people
in lockdown.
Of course,
I think about it all the time.
I have to take sleeping pills
so I don't think
about it all the time.
- (WATER SPLASHING)
- (CUP CLANKS)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
SIMON BRIDGES: My question
is to the Prime Minister.
Does she accept estimates
that New Zealand's economy
will shrink
by ten percent this year,
while Australia's will fall
by less than five?
JACINDA:
Mr. Speaker, as I've said,
- I've heard the range of...
- BRIDGES:
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
SPEAKER: Order, order.
Simon Bridges yelled
across the House,
"She doesn't do the economy."
(MUSIC FADES)
I wanted to punch him
in the face.
(CLARKE CHUCKLES)
JACINDA:
That member may have the luxury
of sitting on that side
of the House
not bearing the consequences
of a wrong move.
Shouldn't the Prime Minister
make a new decision
every single day
about how she can safely
get more businesses
back to business?
I'd love to see
the member's evidence
that that's not exactly
what we are doing.
We're like a group of children
in the backseat of the car
yelling, "Are we there yet?"
Mr. Speaker,
it's a global pandemic.
(NEVE SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
Relative to other years,
this has been the worst.
(ALL LAUGH)
GUEST: Yeah.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES)
NEVE:
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
Hey.
(VOICE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY
OVER PHONE)
JACINDA: Yeah.
(VOICE CONTINUES SPEAKING)
JACINDA: Yeah.
(HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
CLARKE: What a bugger.
Here we are in a country
that has pretty much
suppressed Delta
through our remarkable uptake
and success
of our vaccine program.
And just when you think
you've got a handle on that,
and that life is, sort of,
coming to some semblance
of normal,
along comes another variant.
It's not going to be pretty
as people adjust
and get used
to yet another wave
of this incredibly
unpredictable...
bastard of a... of a virus.
JACINDA:
If it has been four months
since your second dose,
you are due your booster.
Please go to Book My Vaccine...
CLARKE: A whole lot
of anti-vaxxers
have now shown up
at my parents' house
and are protesting
out the front.
We don't have
overbearing security.
And then suddenly
you start to feel a bit unsafe.
JACINDA: Just a reminder again,
of course, we've had...
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
(CROWD CHEERING)
PROTEST LEADER:
Shout out, "Freedom!"
CROWD: Freedom!
PROTEST LEADER:
Shout out "Freedom!"
CROWD: Freedom!
CAMPBELL:
And I think...
Yeah.
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
Okay, well, a new year,
another year.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
JACINDA:
INTERVIEWER: Hmm.
JACINDA:
Mm, it gets bigger. Hmm.
(ENGINES REVVING)
PROTEST LEADER 1:
You're trying to tell us
that our freedom is found
in getting the jab!
Jacinda has created
a New Zealand
that I do not want to live in.
I reject Jacindaland!
PROTEST LEADER 2:
Our forefathers have fought
for this land
and you don't ride
roughshod over it
because some girl in a skirt
is on a power trip!
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: They had fake gallows
on the Forecourt.
Ropes hanging down there.
They had the names
of politicians, family members.
Um, it was, yeah, it was...
It was grim. Really grim.
(CROWD CLAMORING)
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
- (PROTESTERS CHEERING)
- (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
(PROTEST LEADER
SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)
(MUSIC FADES)
CLARKE: So, how would you
describe this last week?
If there is like
a subterranean space
that sits beneath hell...
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
That. (CHUCKLES)
(CROWD CLAMORING)
(CLAMOR CONTINUES)
("YOU'RE THE VOICE"
PLAYING OVER SPEAKER)
Oh God, this version
of John Farnham, the song,
they have played it
so many times.
- CAMPBELL:
(OVER PHONE) Oh no, no, no.
- (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
CAMPBELL: It's an absolute party
down there
by the looks
of what I was just seeing
- on the live.
- Yeah.
Anyway, I'm gonna go home.
I can't do work here
anymore, so...
CAMPBELL: No, no,
that's completely
understandable.
JACINDA: I mean,
their protest signs all say,
"End the mandate
and we'll go home."
I would wager that probably
95 percent of the people
down there are not affected
by the mandate.
They're not nurses
and doctors and teachers.
They're waving American flags
and Canadian flags,
and you can't help feeling
that they've fallen
into someone else's wormhole
and it's not ours.
Yeah.
There was a woman on the news
last night that said
that her husband
had got the booster
and that she was going
to divorce him...
as a result,
and that he would probably die.
So, that's his third dose
of the vaccine,
and he is not dead,
so obviously he is not
going to die. (CHUCKLES)
But that's where--
That's the psychology
down there.
And it's quite hard to know that
that's what you're dealing with,
'cause it's not rational.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(CROWD CLAMORING)
JACINDA: We didn't intend
for mandates to be forever,
but the problem is
we couldn't...
We, at that point,
couldn't say when we felt like
we could safely remove them,
but what I wasn't going to do
was arbitrarily remove them
because people were occupying
Parliament's grounds.
Your job is to govern
for everybody.
PROTESTER:
CALLER 1:
Talking about the country
being deeply divided.
It's not deeply divided.
It's not.
There's a one,
two-percent minority
who are making a lot of noise
because they can't get
what they want
and they don't want to do
their bit for society.
CALLER 2:
CALLER 3:
CALLER 4:
(CROW CLAMORING)
CALLER 5:
REPORTER:
Wow.
Hands off our children.
There's... there's no...
There's no vaccine mandates
for children.
And you see
those signs everywhere.
(CROWD CLAMORING)
PROTESTER:
JACINDA: This is an issue...
ACTIVIST:
This is an issue...
(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)
(CHILD CRYING)
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
PROTESTER: No more Jacinda!
JACINDA: Today, my first event
got hijacked.
Someone found out where I was
and put it on Facebook,
and they just descended.
So, by the time I left,
they had to kind of rush me out.
PROTESTER 1: There's Jacinda.
PROTESTER 2: Look at her hiding
in the back.
Hiding in the fucking back.
PROTESTER 1:
Go, go, go, go, go.
(PROTESTERS LAUGHING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
There's been a bit
of media coverage lately
about awful online abuse
of women,
particularly women politicians.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
(NEVE SPEAKING SOFTLY)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA: At various points
there would be
different rumors
about me and my family.
Some of them
were really hurtful.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA:
One of the attacks on Clarke
culminated in this hashtag,
"Where is Clarke Gayford?"
And when I'd see it,
I would think, "He's at home
raising our baby girl.
That is where he is."
CARTOON CHARACTER: (OVER TV)
Wow, you're so fancy...
JACINDA:
I made the choice to be there.
My family didn't.
And yet, they paid a price.
CLARKE: I still smell like fish.
It's because I've been
living here.
(CHUCKLES)
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
(DOG BARKING)
JACINDA:
CAMPBELL: (OVER PHONE)
Okay.
CAMPBELL: They didn't know
it was fake or it was real.
- Yeah.
- CAMPBELL: So at this stage...
(CONTINUES SPEAKING
INDISTINCTLY)
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(CROWD CLAMORING)
- Aotearoa! Aotearoa!
- (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
- (SIRENS WAILING)
- (PROTESTERS PERFORMING HAKA)
(MUSIC TURNS PENSIVE)
REPORTER: (ON VIDEO)
A standoff never seen
before at Parliament.
At dawn,
hundreds of police moved in
on the occupation that stretched
into its fourth week,
and they came prepared.
(PROTESTERS CLAMORING)
PROTESTOR: Fuck you! Fuck you!
- (HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
- (PROTESTERS PERFORMING HAKA)
INTERVIEWER: (OVER PHONE)
Recording identification,
this is interview number 27
with Jacinda Ardern
of the Labour Party
for the Political Diary Project.
I take it you're not
at Parliament
with the police
and the protesters?
JACINDA:
INTERVIEWER: What's it been like
being besieged there
these last few weeks?
Pretty awful.
And just people
are being abused,
coming into the Beehive.
And you just see,
you see all the signs
- and you hear them, you know.
- (NEVE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
(WHISPERING) You can have
this piece, darling.
It's that piece here, right?
You can have your own one.
Oh, you want--
You want one? Okay.
So, yeah.
So, no, it hasn't been...
Hasn't-- It hasn't been good.
- (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
- (JACINDA SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
JACINDA:
- (PROTESTERS CLAMORING)
- (ALARMS BLARING)
OFFICER: Just go ahead
and let the people-- Come on.
Keep going.
- (CLAMORING CONTINUES)
- (SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
PROTESTER 1:
Where are you, Jacinda?
Your parliament's on fire.
Look at what you've caused just
by lying to your own people!
(INDISTINCT CLAMOR)
PROTESTER 2:
This is Jacinda's world.
JACINDA:
What the fuck did they do?
(ALARMS BLARING IN DISTANCE)
- (HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
- (SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
CLARKE:
- Anyone?
- STAFF MEMBER:
I'm all good, thank you.
CLARKE:
Jacinda wants a cup of tea.
Grant, do you want a cup of tea?
- GRANT: No, thanks, Clarke.
- JACINDA:
CLARKE: Someone will drink
the cup of tea. Yeah.
(JACINDA BREATHES DEEPLY)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT CLAMOR)
JACINDA: To see the Parliament,
your Parliament, our Parliament,
desecrated in that way
by a small group
of illegal protesters,
made me feel both angry
and deeply sad.
But as I say, it is not
something that will define
New Zealand's response
to this pandemic.
It was an illegal occupation.
They engaged in hostile,
violent, and aggressive behavior
throughout the occupation.
And today, that has culminated
in the desecration
of this Parliament's grounds,
the People's Parliament,
our democracy.
CALLER:
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(NEVE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
(MUSIC CONCLUDES)
(WATER SPLASHING)
- CLARKE: It's dark. Pull me.
- (NEVE MUMBLING)
- (MUMBLING)
- (GRUNTS)
- Is that pretty good?
- NEVE: Yeah.
- Do you wanna try?
- NEVE: No, no, I...
(CHUCKLES)
(WIND RUSTLING)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA:
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA:
But I still carry grief...
over it.
(MUSIC CONCLUDES)
JACINDA:
For all the thinking I give
to what I would have
done differently,
I would still rather be sitting
in front of the public
and explaining why
perhaps we did too much...
rather than
why we did too little.
Because... the doing too little
was the difference
between people living
and people dying. Mm-hmm.
- (HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
- (WIND HOWLING FAINTLY)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: How many times
have you set out in life
and thought, "Here's my goal."
Here's the thing
that I'm setting out to achieve.
But then along the way,
achieve something
completely different.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA: After nearly two years
on the ice...
in the most
atrocious conditions...
Shackleton brought
every crew member back alive.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA:
I had two goals in COVID.
Save people's lives
and keep everyone together.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
JACINDA: And I did one.
But I didn't manage
to quite do the other.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
We did a lot.
We did a lot
on progressive issues,
things that meant a lot to us.
We set ambitious goals
for climate change,
lifted kids out of poverty...
increase the minimum wage
and try to make
people's lives easier.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
CONTINUES)
And I worried that people,
in reaction to me
having outstayed my welcome,
that some of the things we did--
and that mattered to me more
than me being in the job--
that some of the things
that we achieved
might be undone.
If we remove me
from the equation,
then perhaps we won't backslide
on those things.
Perhaps those things
that really matter,
they'll stay.
Even if I'm gone.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: I need to just bring
the temperature down
a little bit
for the good of politics,
for the good of New Zealand...
for the good of the pendulum
that swings.
- Am I allowed out now?
- NEVE: No, you have to...
JACINDA: It was important to me
that when I made the decision
there actually
was nothing particularly
going on at the time.
(CLARKE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
JACINDA:
COVID and the occupation
was almost a year ago.
(CLARKE MUTTERS INDISTINCTLY)
(HANGERS RATTLING)
What a year to resign.
CLARKE: Which is gonna come
as a shock
to just about everyone?
I... I don't know, I suppose so.
There was no single moment.
It was just...
um, this overwhelming...
feeling that, um...
that if something else happened,
something else that was...
big or difficult,
that I wouldn't have enough
in the tank
to do a good job.
CLARKE: Have you ever thought
about sort of reviewing
your processes
in those instances
where you could have maybe...
shared a bit of that workload?
Did you just try
and tell me to delegate?
(CLARKE LAUGHS)
- In a fairly subtle way, yeah.
- It wasn't subtle.
It was like
a full-blown mansplain.
CLARKE: But do you think
that's been part of the problem?
Not being able
to delegate some of the...
Well, because you really go in
boots and all.
Your own staff members
gave you a stethoscope...
(CHUCKLES)
- ...in response to your...
- Time is not helping you.
CLARKE: No, I mean I know.
But it's serious, though.
No, no,
because those actually...
There's things
about the ongoing job.
It's not that just
if something bad happens,
I don't have enough
to keep going.
It's the cumulative effect
of everything as well.
It's almost the politics...
(CHUCKLES)
...that I find...
yeah, pretty unrelenting.
I just know I'm gonna find
the next year hard.
Mm.
Going from full speed
all of the time to nothing.
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)
And so today, I'm announcing
that I will not
be seeking re-election.
And that my term
as Prime Minister
will conclude no later
than the seventh of February.
REPORTER: Walking away
from the most powerful job
in New Zealand politics,
bowing out nine months
before the election.
(INAUDIBLE)
(YELLS, CHUCKLES)
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
- Cheers! Cheers!
(NEVE MUMBLES INDISTINCTLY)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: Mr. Speaker,
when it came time
to pen these words,
my father suggested
that I go back,
and look at the first ones
I shared in this House.
I was 28 years old.
If I'm honest,
I was probably more
than a little shocked
to be here.
A feeling that even
after 15 years,
never quite left me.
Politics has never been
a tick list for me.
It's always been about progress.
Sometimes you can measure it
and sometimes you can't.
To my family,
people knew we were connected
and you copped a lot of flak.
Clarke, not many politicians
have a partner,
that when they say,
"I'm thinking
of leaving politics," reply,
"I think you should stay."
(PARLIAMENT MEMBERS CHUCKLE)
JACINDA:
Thank you for all your patience,
your love, and support.
To my darling girl, Neve.
Gosh, I love how independent
you are already.
(PARLIAMENT MEMBERS CHUCKLE)
JACINDA: Means you won't grow up
being known
as the ex-Prime Minister's
daughter, but rather,
I will happily be known
as Neve's mum.
(PARLIAMENT MEMBERS CHEERING,
APPLAUDING)
JACINDA: Now, I cannot determine
what will define
my time in this place,
but I do hope
I've demonstrated
something else entirely.
That you can be
anxious, sensitive, kind,
and wear your heart
on your sleeve.
You can be a mother or not.
You can be a nerd,
a crier, a hugger.
You can be all of these things.
And not only can you be here,
you can lead...
just like me.
Thank you. You're so kind.
Thank you so much.
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
- CLARKE: Job done.
- Job done.
CLARKE: What's next?
CLARKE:
Cup of tea and a lie down.
INTERVIEWER:
Well, it's been what,
almost two weeks since...
(CHUCKLES)
...you shocked the nation.
What made you do that?
JACINDA: (CHUCKLING)
(CHUCKLES)
I got a lift with Clarke down
to the waterfront.
We went for a walk.
And it was, yeah, it was gone.
Just that...
that weight...
uh, that just sits there
all of the time,
that at any moment
you might be called upon
because something might happen,
or just that constant sense
of responsibility.
Uh, it just went straight away.
Mm. It surprised me.
Mm.
You know, since in Wellington
there were some surfers
who were out,
there's this one guy who's got
the back of his van open,
and he just yells,
"Hey, young lovers!"
And... (LAUGHS)
And I thought, "Oh my gosh,
I can't remember
the last time
I was called young."
(NEVE YELLS, MUMBLES)
JACINDA: I didn't feel like
I looked that way anymore.
I felt like I looked
like I carried the weight
of the world on my shoulders.
(THE AIR THAT I BREATHE
BY THE HOLLIES PLAYING)
CLARKE:
Oh, that's awesome, Neve!
It is! It's working!
CLARKE: It's working. Just keep
running, Mum. Don't stop.
(CHUCKLES)
Something about the way
he yelled it,
I thought,
"Man, do we look different?"
(CHUCKLES)
(AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
JACINDA: I come from the bottom
of the world.
I was lucky enough
to be prime minister
of that beautiful country
for five years.
(SONG CONTINUES)
JACINDA: I unexpectedly
found myself as leader,
and soon after found myself
with a bit
of a surprise pregnancy.
I was and still am
an incredibly normal person,
plagued with imposter syndrome
and self-doubt,
who just happened to find myself
in an extraordinary position.
I am living, breathing,
incredibly flawed proof
that you underestimate
what you are capable of
until you are doing it.
(GUESTS CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
Sometimes
All I need is
The air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is
The air that I breathe
Yes, to love you...
REPORTER:
She has become a global symbol
of compassion, resilience,
hope, and bold,
and decisive action.
(ELECTRONIC GUITAR PLAYING)
JACINDA:
Kia ora and good evening.
It is my pleasure to be here.
HOST: Tonight, we have
Jacinda with us,
and the United States
has borrowed her
for a long stay,
so we're grateful
to have you here.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
GIRL: Thank you, thank you.
Yes, yes.
JACINDA:
When your own constitution
was adopted,
Benjamin Franklin was asked
what had been created,
and he replied, quote,
"A republic if you can keep it."
If you can keep it.
And the overwhelming challenges
that lay in front of us,
and our constant efforts
to reach into the systems,
the structures, the power,
don't overlook the simple act
right in front of you.
The impact that we each have
as individuals.
KAMALA HARRIS:
The former president had said
that climate change is a hoax.
JACINDA: The disinformation
will only increase.
The pull into the comfort
of our tribes will be magnified.
But we have it within us
to ensure that
that doesn't mean we fracture.
We are at a precipice.
But I'm an optimist at heart.
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
(DOG BARKS)
JACINDA:
Shackleton had this saying...
"Optimism is true
moral courage."
You know it's a state
of mind that...
helps to motivate.
That helps you to push through.
(INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: I always got the sense
that we would treat people
who would describe themselves
in that way as if they're naive.
As if they're dreamers.
Optimism is not naivety,
it's hope.
We have war raging,
the ongoing challenge
and threat of climate change...
rapid technological development.
It is hard not to switch
on the news some days
and just think the world
is a dumpster fire.
How do we shine a light
on the humanity
that I know is still there
in amongst everything else?
Mm.
That's what keeps me
going anyway.
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA: My life and my world
is very small here
and I like that a lot.
(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)
When we recognized you
from across the street,
I was like, "My goodness."
(FAINT CHATTER)
- JACINDA: Hi.
- (DOOR CLOSING)
- (NEVE YELLS, MUMBLES)
- (JACINDA CHUCKLES)
NEVE: Yay!
JACINDA: Since we've been away,
it's actually just felt quieter.
And I think that's probably
what we needed.
- How's he doing?
- NEVE: Good.
JACINDA: So, this is just
a moment in time.
CLARKE: Hey, Mum.
(KISSES)
(FAINT CHATTER)
JACINDA: But...
yeah, nowhere will ever
be like home.
(DONT DREAM ITS OVER
BY CROWDED HOUSE PLAYING)
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
There is freedom within
There is freedom without
Try to catch the deluge
In a paper cup
There's a battle ahead
Many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end
Of the road
While you're travelling
With me
Hey, now, hey, now
Don't dream it's over
Hey, now, hey, now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know, they won't win
Now I'm towing my car
There's a hole in the roof
My possessions
Are causing me suspicion
But there's no proof
In the paper today
Tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over
To the TV page
Hey, now, hey, now
Don't dream it's over
Hey, now, hey, now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know, they won't win
Hey, now, hey, now
Hey, now, hey, now
Don't let them win
Hey, now, hey, now
Don't let them win
(SONG FADES)
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC CONCLUDES)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (BIRDS CHIRPING)
JACINDA ARDERN:
What are you gonna do
at school today?
NEVE ARDERN GAYFORD:
Oh, I don't know.
JACINDA:
Do you think they'll give you
eclipse glasses?
- NEVE: Oh, yeah. They told me.
- JACINDA: Yeah, right.
- (ENGINE HALTING)
- (TIRES SCREECHING)
Put on your seatbelt.
Keep your hands to yourself.
- NEVE: Okay, bye.
- JACINDA: Okay, bye. Love you.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
- (BIRDS CHIRPING)
- (TRAFFIC RUMBLING)
JACINDA: You'll be
our future decision makers,
and leaders,
and it must be quite daunting
looking out at the challenges
that are in front of us.
There's so much change
that we want the world
to be simple again.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA: And part
of that oversimplification
is that we're much more inclined
to look at one another
in binary ways.
Good, evil.
Bad, right.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
It's meant that we've got
a hyper-partisanship now
that I think
can be really damaging.
It means
we don't work together as much.
It means we don't listen
and engage
in respectful debate
that we need.
And if we are to get back
to doing all of those things,
because we won't solve
the climate crisis unless we do,
we won't solve the conflict
in the Middle East unless we do,
we have to re-humanize
one another again.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
INTERVIEWER: (OVER RECORDER)
Recording identification,
this is an interview
for the Political Diary Project.
It's an interview
with Jacinda Ardern,
who's the deputy leader
of the Labour Party.
It's being recorded
on Monday 28th August, 2017.
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
INTERVIEWER: Are you worried?
I mean, how long is it
until the election?
- Two months, let's say.
- JACINDA: (OVER RECORDER) Yeah.
Yep.
- (SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
- (INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
- Labour is ready to win in 2017.
- (CROWD CHEERING)
REPORTER 1:
Labour's feeling the pressure
just eight weeks out
from the election.
Two poll results in two days
both have the party
on less than the 25 percent
Labour got
at the last election...
REPORTER 2:
All eyes have now turned
to the party's deputy leader,
Jacinda Ardern.
ANDREW LITTLE:
This is your moment, Jacinda,
step up to the plate,
or watch your party die.
INTERVIEWER:
There's a lot of talk about
you being the next leader
of the Labour Party,
the next female prime minister.
- Do you want to be that person?
- JACINDA: No.
And I absolutely support
Andrew Little
to do that job,
as opposed to me.
- INTERVIEWER:
But everyone says it--
- Yes, but I mean it.
(FAINT CHATTER)
- (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
- (STAFF MEMBER CHUCKLES)
Good morning, everybody.
I've just confirmed
to the Labour caucus
that I will step aside as leader
of the Labour Party.
There's no question
that the poll results
that came out last week
were disturbing,
and very, very disappointing.
- (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
- (REPORTERS CLAMORING)
REPORTER: Moving at
uncharacteristically high speed,
Labour completely changed
its leadership team this morning
following three disastrous
political polls.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Following Andrew's announcement
this morning,
I was nominated to be leader
of the Labour Party.
This team is about to run
the campaign of our lives.
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
JACINDA:
My whole journey in politics
has been a battle
with two sides of myself.
The one that says, "You can't,"
and then the one that says,
"But you have to."
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: I was 14 years old
when someone first used
the term, "imposter syndrome."
And it was
just like something clicked.
Suddenly, I had words
to describe how I'd felt
for every speech competition
I did,
or any challenge
where I just had
a bit of a seed of doubt
and a fear
that something might expose
that I shouldn't be there.
When I stood down there
for that press conference,
I waited for someone
to just stand up,
and say that outright.
"Why you?"
And they did.
I'm happy to take questions.
I'm sure there are many.
(REPORTERS CLAMORING)
REPORTER 1:
Yes, I am, Barry,
and my team
would not have selected me
if they didn't
believe that also.
REPORTER 2:
Yes. Would you like to tell me
why you don't think I can?
REPORTER 3:
Oh, look, look, everyone knows
that I've just accepted,
with short notice,
the worst job in politics.
(DARING MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: I had been
in opposition for nine years.
I had held
the justice portfolio,
the social development
portfolio.
I'd held corrections,
child protection,
small business, employment.
So, I had some experience
behind me.
(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
Did I come in with this view
that I needed
to particularly bring
my feminist leadership approach?
No, because I didn't actually
anticipate being a leader.
It was a little bit of a shock
to me seven weeks out
from a general election
in New Zealand.
There was no time
for me to redesign myself
in any particular way.
No one could come to me,
and say,
"Well, we've polled,
and focus-grouped,
and this is how you need
to present yourself
if you're going
to win the election."
- There was none of that.
- (CROWD CHEERING)
JACINDA: That meant
I could only be myself.
I remember distinctly
when I took over
as leader being told,
"Your job is just to save
the furniture."
No one thought it was plausible
that we could win.
- (THRILLING MUSIC PLAYING)
- (CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
SUPPORTER: Let's do this!
JACINDA: Are you with me?
- CROWD: Yeah!
- Let's do this!
(CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
JACINDA: We will remain
relentlessly positive
because I do believe
optimism and hope
is at our heart.
It is part of who we are
as New Zealanders.
On election night,
the outcome wasn't clear.
- (CROWD CHEERING)
- REPORTER: National has won
46 percent of the vote,
and a left-leaning coalition
of Labour,
- and the Greens, has 42 percent.
- (REPORTERS CLAMORING)
REPORTER:
Both sides need Winston Peters
to get to a majority.
The anti-immigration populist
holds all the cards
and will decide New Zealand's
next prime minister.
INTERVIEWER:
I do not want to be seen
to have made any compromise
to get into government
that involves immigration.
- INTERVIEWER: No.
I one hundred percent support--
- That's my problem.
I have a real strong view
on this.
(VOICE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY
OVER PHONE)
JACINDA: Mm.
Mm.
Of course they wanna put us
in a position to govern.
I think that we're
the best opportunity
to make the change
that New Zealanders need.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
In two and a half hours
possibly,
I'll know whether or not
I've successfully got Labour
into government.
I have waves
of incredible anxiety.
Not about losing,
but about winning.
...and some fine weather.
We've got all the details
coming up,
right now at six o'clock.
(THEME MUSIC
PLAYING OVER TV)
REPORTER: (OVER TV)
Speculation mounting
that Winston Peters
is about to announce
who'll form the next government.
(EXHALES)
WINSTON PETERS: (OVER TV)
We had a choice to make,
whether it was
either with National or Labour,
for a modified status quo,
all for change.
That's why in the end we chose
a coalition government
of New Zealand First
with the New Zealand
Labour Party.
- (GROUP CHEERING)
- ("YOUNG BLOOD" BY THE NAKED
AND FAMOUS PLAYING)
The bittersweet
Between my teeth
Trying to find
The in-between
- Fall back
In love eventually
- (GROUP CHEERING)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
JACINDA:
- (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
- (DREAMY MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA:
It would be a bit overwhelming
if I processed it properly
so instead, I just...
do all the things
that need to get done.
CLARKE GAYFORD:
Yep.
CLARKE:
I'm not even 40.
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
- (CHUCKLES)
You're not gonna force me
to process this this morning.
I don't have time.
CLARKE:
(LAUGHS)
I'm not doing this right now.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
Ms. Ardern, you have assured me
that you are able
to form a government
that can command the confidence
of the House of Representatives.
I now ask you to confirm
that you can form
such a government.
Yes, Your Excellency.
DAME PATSY REDDY: In that case,
I will proceed
with your appointment
- as Prime Minister.
- (CHUCKLES)
That gives effect
to your appointment
as Prime Minister.
Congratulations, Ms. Ardern.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
Thank you.
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
(MUSIC TURNS UPLIFTING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
JACINDA: Every time
I got on a plane,
I would look out a window,
and I would think,
"Look at that
beautiful landscape.
From that mountain
to that river,
that is my responsibility."
(RAILWAY TRACKS RATTLING)
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
CONTINUES)
JACINDA: And I didn't sit
in anything for too long
for that period of time.
And now, I'm writing about it,
and I've got no choice
but to sit in it.
INTERVIEWER: (OVER RECORDER)
Okay, so we're recording now.
This is interview number one,
file one.
JACINDA: Back in 2017,
I got a call
from some archivists
at the Turnbull Library saying,
"We've been interviewing
various people in politics."
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
When you were first asked
whether you'd take part
in this diary project,
what made you say yes?
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
I didn't want him to resign.
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
Think about what you wanna say.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
You know, as someone
who loves history,
I thought one day
I'm sure I'd really like
to look back on this.
Having those recordings
really take me back to a moment
in a way that I don't imagine
many other things could.
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA:
For that first period of time,
I felt the need
to demonstrate that
I was the right person
for the job,
that I just had to prove myself.
(HOPEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: Political cycles
in New Zealand,
they're so short.
I have three years
to do as much as we can,
so there's just no time.
(MOUSE CLICKING)
JACINDA: Climate change
is the greatest challenge
facing this generation.
We had a significant
100-day plan.
Today, we announced
that we will
no longer be granting
any new off-shore oil and gas
exploration permits.
I'm on record as having stated
that child poverty
and child poverty reduction
is one of the reasons
that I was motivated
to get into politics,
and ultimately, into this House.
Putting in renters' rights,
extending paid parental leave,
the first year
of university free,
mental health.
These are going to be
our priorities.
All of that
in a hundred days, and more.
But in the back of my mind,
I thought,
"How am I gonna do this
with a baby?"
(MUSIC CONCLUDES)
(CRICKETS CHIRPING)
JACINDA: It's very jarring
turning your pregnancy
into a press statement.
CLARKE:
Um, I think the people
who don't like me
will be a bit harsh. (CHUCKLES)
I'm a bit anxious about it,
but I can't hide it forever,
can I?
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
- (CHUCKLES)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- Oh, look!
- (LAUGHS)
- (CROWD LAUGHING)
Well, this is--
Well, this is normal.
- (CHUCKLES)
- (CROWD LAUGHS)
JACINDA: Welcome, everyone,
for a somewhat
unusual announcement.
Um, Clarke and I
are really excited to share.
In June, we're looking forward
to welcoming our first child.
REPORTER:
- Clarke? (LAUGHS)
- (CROWD LAUGHING)
Wow! I like the idea
that we're doing
everything in reverse.
We bought a house together,
then we're having a baby,
and we'll see.
- (CROWD LAUGHING)
- (CHUCKLES)
(SINGING TO THE TUNE
OF "ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA")
...Ardern
REPORTER:
Prime Minister of New Zealand,
and Mr. Clarke Gayford.
JACINDA: Your Majesty,
it is my great honor
to offer a toast
to the Commonwealth.
(CHOIR CONTINUES SINGING)
JACINDA: Our Commonwealth
is uniquely placed to offer
a strong voice
on the global stage
at a time
of change and uncertainty.
RADIO HOST 1: 0800-80,
try to keep those calls
coming through this.
CALLER 1:
RADIO HOST 1:
Jeremy Marcus, hello.
CALLER 2:
RADIO HOST 1: Yes, although
I can't think of any jobs
that women with young children
have not managed to do.
CALLER 2:
- (KIDS CHEERING)
- RADIO HOST 2: 0800-801080
is the number to call.
Clive says,
"I think it's a disgrace.
Her choice to be Prime Minister
should take priority
over motherhood.
And no, you can't do both jobs,
and do both justice."
(SINGING CONCLUDES)
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
- (CHUCKLES)
- See? "Belly bump biscuits."
- CLARKE: Yeah, well...
(CLARKE CHUCKLES)
CLARKE: (CHUCKLING)
HEALTH CARE ADVISOR:
And as you push and push,
and then
with the next contraction,
and we encourage
the head to come down
to pop the shoulder free
of here.
And the baby will just slip out
very easily,
and up onto you.
Up, and it just comes up here.
CLARKE:
Can you rest things on...
(SERENE MUSIC PLAYING)
- Oh, yeah.
- CLARKE:
...while you're sitting down?
I've been able to do that
for ages.
(CLARKE LAUGHS)
- (LAUGHS)
- (CLARKE LAUGHS)
CLARKE:
(JACINDA LAUGHS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
- (NEVE CRYING)
- JACINDA: Oh, good.
Oh, good.
(JACINDA SPEAKING SOFTY)
Oh!
(GASPS)
Oh! She's gorgeous.
(WHISPERING)
I figured I had to get her out
so that you could hold her.
- We think we...
- LAURELL ARDERN:
- LAURELL:
- Mm-hmm.
Oh!
- That's...
- JACINDA: That's what mum says
when she's processing.
- "Neve."
- Yeah.
- Yeah, it is.
- Oh!
"Leith"?
JACINDA:
Oh, lovely. Lovely!
(SERENE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING) Mm-hmm.
JACINDA:
- (CHUCKLES)
- INTERVIEWER: Aw.
"Working & Breastfeeding
Made Simple."
But I think anything
that is simple
doesn't require 300...
- 369 pages of explanation.
- (CLARKE LAUGHS)
- (NEVE COOS)
- (SERENE MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA:
I'm determined to breastfeed...
'cause otherwise,
there's no reason
to have her at work.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA: Didn't bring
the muffins that the...
- neighbor made for us.
- CLARKE: Ah.
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Thank you.
- BYSTANDER: Morning!
- JACINDA AND CLARKE: Morning!
- JACINDA: How are you?
- Good, thank you.
(CHUCKLES)
- Leroy!
- LEROY: Hey!
- JACINDA: How are you?
- I'm very well.
JACINDA: Aw!
- Good, nice to see you.
- (BOTH KISS)
- Welcome back. (CHUCKLES)
- Thanks!
- Say hello to Uncle Chris.
- Oh!
Okay.
- Okay.
- See you guys later.
- Okay, team.
- We missed you.
Thank you, thank you.
I missed you.
- (LAUGHS) I missed you.
- (GROUP LAUGHS)
I did miss you guys.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)
STAFF MEMBER: There's confidence
in the housing market
coming off
of international developments.
Yep. (KISSES)
CLARKE: Yep.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
(NEVE FUSSES)
CLARKE:
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
SPOKESPERSON: We'd been hearing
a few mean-minded,
mingy individuals
carrying on about
whether she had the right
to have a baby,
and run the country
at the same time.
Wouldn't it be lovely
if somehow...
Jacinda had a cloak
of her own...
to keep her warm...
to protect her back...
to guard her
from the slings and arrows
of outrageous commentators.
Other women saying...
to our gorgeous
prime minister...
"Don't worry. Stand tall.
We have your back."
(MUSIC TURNS PENSIVE,
INTENSIFIES)
- (SIRENS WAILING)
- (MUSIC FADES)
(CARS HONKING)
(SIRENS CONTINUE WAILING)
DONALD TRUMP: Today, I stand
before the United Nations
General Assembly
to share the extraordinary
progress we've made.
In less than two years,
my administration
has accomplished more than
almost any administration
in the history of our country.
- America is... So true.
- (ASSEMBLY LAUGHING)
I didn't expect that reaction,
but that's okay.
(ASSEMBLY LAUGHING, APPLAUDING)
TRUMP: America is governed
by Americans.
We reject the ideology
of globalism.
Our position has been
we see ourselves
as members
of an international community.
REPORTER 1:
Doesn't it concern you
that diplomatically
it may cause
a bit of a rift with Washington?
No, I think it's important
that we always maintain
an independent
foreign policy line.
We need to speak
to New Zealand values,
regardless of what
any other world leader
tends to think,
or their position.
REPORTER 1:
Do you like Donald Trump?
Oh, look,
I don't know Donald Trump.
I know the President
of the United States.
And we are united by the fact
that each of our countries
has experienced
some jarring effects
of globalization.
We're just choosing
to respond differently.
Do you like the President
of the United States?
JACINDA: Uh, look,
it's an irrelevant question.
REPORTER 2: No, it's not really.
Popularity aside,
do you like the current US--
JACINDA: It actually is.
I'm here
to represent New Zealand.
This isn't a popularity contest.
(SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
REPORTER 1: You've heard of
Take Your kids to Work Day,
but a world leader
made a statement
when she brought her baby
to the United Nations.
REPORTER 2:
That's right, a baby.
Ardern is
the second world leader
to give birth in office,
and now, the first
to bring her baby to the UN.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
- ANNOUNCER: The Prime Minister
of the Kingdom of Morocco.
- (CROWD APPLAUDING)
ANNOUNCER: The Prime Minister
of New Zealand.
The Prime Minister
of the Kingdom of Norway.
JACINDA: It's clear
that a big focus
for the Secretary-General
is the issue of climate change.
And in that regard,
he acknowledged the role
that New Zealand is playing,
- and will continue to play.
- REPORTER: How's Neve?
Well. Probably more well-rested
than I am.
All right. Thanks, everyone.
Thank you.
REPORTER 1:
It does really feel like
all eyes are on Jacinda Ardern.
She has kind of a celebrity
circuit of sorts here.
REPORTER 2: Big week, of course,
for the Prime Minister.
She's very much in New York.
She's very much going to be
like the new squeezy toy
in the toy shop.
They're all gonna want
to touch her and meet her,
and shake hands,
and, "Oh, where's the baby?"
There's the novelty factor.
Did you ever imagine
that the perfectly normal act
of a woman giving birth
would be so incredibly viral
all over the world,
and everybody just wants
to talk to you about that?
JACINDA: No, no,
but I have to accept that
when it comes to world leaders,
it was rare.
INTERVIEWER: I've been amazed
by some of the incredible sexism
that you've received
from your own media at home
- about this issue.
- JACINDA: Hmm.
INTERVIEWER: Oh,
can a mother be prime minister?
Can a pregnant woman do the job?
Can a new mother
talk about climate
and refugees and trade,
and all the things
that you're talking about?
JACINDA:
- (CRIES)
- Aw!
CLARKE: Aw, don't...
She is just not having it
at the moment.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
CLARKE: Come here.
Then it'll come from a bottle.
(JACINDA SIGHS, MUMBLES)
We're fussy.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
JACINDA:
- (SIRENS WAILING)
- JACINDA:
(SHUSHES)
(TRAFFIC RUMBLING, HONKING)
- (BLOW DRYER WHIRRING)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
STEPHEN COLBERT: I understand
you were on the floor
of the General Assembly.
You were seated
at the General Assembly
when Donald Trump
gave his address.
JACINDA: I was.
He says that
people weren't laughing at him,
they were laughing with him.
What-- what...
- did you experience...
- (AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
...as someone in the room?
Are you trying to create
a diplomatic incident
- here right now? (LAUGHS)
- (AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
- Maybe I'm gonna
diffuse one right now.
- JACINDA: Yeah. (LAUGHS)
STEPHEN: So, there was
a little laugh,
and then there was
a bigger laugh.
So, there was a little laugh,
and he said,
"I didn't expect that response,"
and then there was
a bigger laugh.
- Then people laughed with him.
- (AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
- Second... The second time.
- On the second one.
The second one,
people were laughing with him.
- JACINDA: Yes. That is true.
- Okay.
- That was
very diplomatically stated.
- This is my testimony.
- Very nice.
- (LAUGHS)
No war between the United states
and New Zealand then?
- No, peace loving nation.
- But the first laugh?
The first laugh?
First laugh was
a spontaneous murmur amongst...
(AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
- It was spontaneous.
- ...some people.
- Spontaneous among the people,
with each other.
- Yes. But I'm a...
- Amongst themselves.
- Amongst themselves.
- Yes. (CHUCKLES)
- (AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
- And you joined in?
- No, I observed.
(AUDIENCE LAUGHING, APPLAUDING)
(TRAFFIC RUMBLING, HONKING)
JACINDA: I am an incredibly
proud New Zealander.
Much of that pride
has come from being
a strong and active member
of our international community.
- (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
- JACINDA: We are not isolated.
Governments do have obligations
to their people and each other,
and our actions
have a global effect.
Mr. Speaker, I cannot pinpoint
when exactly my interest
in politics began,
but I know it began young.
This is my old street.
We moved here
when I was pretty young.
My memories of that place
are vivid.
I knew that a lot of people
had lost their jobs,
but I didn't understand
that it was down
to the privatization
of the forestry industry,
and the complete lack
of central government support.
Even though I was really young,
I remember seeing
what that did to the town,
the social costs
of unemployment.
My passion for social justice
came from what I saw.
My love of politics came
when I realized
that it was the key
to changing what I saw.
Together, we must rebuild
and recommit to multilateralism.
If I could distill it down
into one concept
that we are pursuing
in New Zealand,
it is simple
and it is this, kindness.
In the face of isolationism,
protectionism, racism,
the simple concept
of looking outwardly
and beyond ourselves,
of kindness and collectivism,
might just be as good
a starting point as any.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(SIRENS WAILING)
REPORTER 1: It's chaos here
in Hagley Park, really.
You can probably hear
the sirens going past me
as ambulances rush
to and from the mosque.
We haven't confirmed
the number of injuries,
but I have spoken to a man,
a witness.
He'd run from the mosque,
climbing a fence
to get to safety.
He told us that he had seen
four women lying on the floor
of the mosque, covered in blood.
REPORTER 2: We are breaking
into normal programming
right now
for some disturbing news
from Christchurch.
There has been
a major shooting incident
with reports of gunmen
firing near mosques
in the center of the city.
REPORTER 3:
There are unconfirmed reports
as many as 27 people are dead,
including children.
There were 500 people
in the mosque
at the time of the shooting.
- (INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
- (PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
This is interview number 14,
file one.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
All right, um... (SIGHS)
Well, it's a week
since those horrible attacks
in Christchurch.
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
How's it been for you this week?
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
Clearly what has happened here
is an extraordinary
and unprecedented
act of violence.
Many of those who will have been
directly affected
by the shooting
may be migrants to New Zealand.
They may even be refugees here.
They have chosen to make
New Zealand their home,
and it is their home.
They are us.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)
JACINDA:
It is with extreme sadness
that I tell you
that as at 7:00 p.m. tonight,
we believe that 40 people
have lost their lives.
It is clear that
this can now only be described
as a terrorist attack.
(SIRENS WAILING)
We are a proud nation
of more than 200 ethnicities,
160 languages,
and amongst that diversity,
we share common values,
and the one that we place
the currency on right now,
and tonight, is our compassion,
and the support
for the community
of those directly affected
by this tragedy.
And secondly, the strongest
possible condemnation
of the ideology
of the people who did this.
You may have chosen us,
but we utterly reject
and condemn you.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING)
JACINDA:
It was close to 24 hours
since the shooting,
and bodies were still lying
in the mosques.
And that, of course,
was because the police
were doing their jobs.
But for those who were members
of the Muslim community,
their priority
was immediate burial.
And so, people were
understandably distraught
about the delay.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- CIVILIAN 1: Yeah, yeah.
JACINDA: The vast majority
of family members
were at the crisis
response center.
I just remember feeling
the heat of the room.
So many people packed
into one space,
and just the nervous energy,
and the grief.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA: Huge amounts of grief.
Everyone in there
knew someone who had died.
(CIVILIAN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
Everyone will have
the opportunity to...
JACINDA: Everyone became quiet.
But then I realized, of course,
I had to say something.
(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
JACINDA: There was no one else
to hand the microphone to.
(MUSIC FADES)
Go on, Prime Minister.
- Assalamu alaikum.
- CROWD: Wa'alaikumussalam.
Peace be upon you,
peace be upon all of us.
I'm here today...
to bring with me the grief
of all of New Zealand.
And there is huge grief
in this nation
that we share with you
on your behalf.
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
You want your loved ones back.
And I know that there are
religious considerations
with their burial.
Tell people what you know.
Even if it's hard,
tell people what you know.
And so, I told people
that, yes...
you know,
the names would be released,
and the bodies would be taken,
but they wouldn't be
released quickly.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CIVILIAN SOBBING)
JACINDA: When I was told
that he was an Australian
who purposely came in
to target our Muslim community
in some kind of attempt
to create a war amongst people,
or to other them,
I remember feeling
just so angry.
I mean, you're devastated
at what's happened,
but at the same time,
I just felt angry.
But I genuinely questioned
whether or not I was allowed
to kind of show emotion
like that.
My job was to be...
the calm voice,
the voice who shared
the facts, you know?
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
REPORTER 1:
The Prime Minister's response
to the attack left
a lasting impression on Muslims.
REPORTER 2:
She was asked by President Trump
what support
the United States can provide.
Her response,
sympathy and love
for all Muslim communities.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA: "I personally thank you
who support our community.
I literally cried every time
I watched you on TV,
and gave a speech.
Also, I apologize
that because of our existence,
my appearance,
my coming to your country,
has made your country
become unsafe for everyone."
I still find it quite hard
to comprehend
that you could have...
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
That there could be
so many people who die...
(SNIFFLES)
...and then people thank you.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
It just makes me feel
incredibly sad.
People shouldn't have
to thank you
for a humane response.
That should be your expectation.
And it just says to me
how little I understood
of the experience
of Muslim communities...
that it would be worth
commenting on.
(MUSIC CONCLUDES)
(CROWD APPLAUDING)
("PEACE TRAIN"
BY CAT STEVENS PLAYING)
CAT STEVENS:
Oh, I've been smiling lately
Dreaming about
The world as one
And I believe it could be
Someday, it's gonna come
'Cause out
On the edge of darkness
There rides a peace train
Oh, peace train
Take this country
Come take me home again
'Cause I've been
Smiling lately
Thinkin' about
The good things to come
And I believe it could be
Something good has begun
Oh, peace train
Sounding louder
Glide on the peace train
Ooh, ooh, ooh!
Come on, peace train
Peace train, holy roller...
JACINDA: Today,
as the country grieves,
we are seeking answers.
I want to speak specifically
about the firearms used
in this terrorist act.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
I'm advised that there were
two semi-automatic weapons,
and two shotguns.
The offender was in possession
of a gun license.
I can tell you
one thing right now,
our gun laws will change.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: I didn't even know
if I had the numbers.
I've got a government
that requires three parties
to agree on everything
that we do,
and I represent one of them.
But it didn't matter.
I thought,
"I'm just gonna make this work."
JUDITH COLLINS:
You can get 140 rounds
in a magazine.
They're like a round thing,
like a Gatling gun.
That's not okay for New Zealand,
and we will stand against them.
DAVID SEYMOUR:
This bill is not an attempt
to improve public safety.
It is an exercise
in political theater.
If there were suggestions
that we shouldn't be banning
attack rifles,
or military-style
automatic weapons,
I'd like to hear
those arguments.
Regardless of the number
that are in circulation,
our goal is to get as many
as we can out of circulation.
REHANNA ALI: Whatever reasons
might be brought to bear
for not supporting
this legislation
can never outweigh
the 50 reasons
we carry with us today.
(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA: We are here
just 26 days
after the most devastating
of terrorist attacks
in New Zealand's history.
When I visited the hospitals
and the victims,
none of them
had just one gunshot wound.
In every case,
they spoke of multiple injuries,
multiple debilitating injuries.
I could not fathom
how weapons that could cause
such destruction,
and large-scale death
could have been obtained legally
in this country.
Fifty people died
and they do not have a voice.
We in this House
are their voice.
And today, Mr. Speaker,
we have used that voice wisely.
- (UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING)
- (LAWMAKERS APPLAUDING)
SPEAKER: The ayes are 119,
the noes are one.
(LAWMAKERS APPLAUDING)
JACINDA: Today, I'm announcing
that New Zealand will ban
all military-style
semi-automatic weapons.
We will also ban
all assault rifles.
We will ban
all high-capacity magazines.
REPORTER 1: Folks are truly
stunned this morning
by how quickly
New Zealand is moving
to change its gun laws.
REPORTER 2:
Prime Minister of New Zealand
has announced immediate action
to ban assault weapons.
REPORTER 3:
New Zealanders have turned in
more than 50,000 guns.
The country's buyback program
ended at midnight...
REPORTER 4: Even President Obama
couldn't do that
in the United States
after the massacre of children
at Sandy Hook.
REPORTER 5:
The overnight announcement
getting attention
from both sides
of the gun debate in the U.S.
(UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
JACINDA: It's gonna dance...
and it's gonna make a noise.
(CHRISTMAS MUSIC PLAYING
OVER SPEAKER)
- (JACINDA CHUCKLES)
- (CLARKE LAUGHING)
("SLEIGH RIDE"
PLAYING OVER SPEAKER)
JACINDA: Oopsie!
("FEVER"
BY ALDOUS HARDING PLAYING)
- (CLARKE WHISTLES)
- JACINDA: Ooh!
- (LAUGHS)
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
- It looks good.
- I think it looks good.
- Do you like it?
- Yeah.
INTERVIEWER: Can you tell us
about the proposal?
JACINDA:
...been so tired
You said, "You bet"
JACINDA: Mr. Speaker,
it's time to change
New Zealand's
outdated abortion laws.
Abortion should not be a crime
in this country.
Please show us
your respect for women.
Show us you recognize
we're capable of deciding
what's right for us.
Give us our dignity back.
The ayes are 68,
the noes are 51.
The ayes have it.
- Unlock the doors.
- (LAWMAKERS CHEER, APPLAUD)
Unlock the doors.
CLERK:
Abortion legislation bill...
("FEVER" CONTINUES PLAYING)
I still stare at you
In the dark
Hi there,
this is Jacinda speaking.
NEVE: Hi!
CLARKE: Oh! There she goes.
Right behind you.
- Oh!
- Ooh!
(GIGGLES)
CLARKE: (GIGGLES) Whoa.
(SONG FADES)
(HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(VOLCANO RUMBLING)
REPORTER 1:
Sudden and deadly volcano
erupting on an island
in New Zealand.
REPORTER 2:
Twenty-two people were killed.
The others suffered
severe burns.
JACINDA: It is now clear
that there were two groups
on the island,
those who were able
to be evacuated
and those who were close
to the eruption.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
- (MUSIC FADES)
- (WIND WHISTLING FAINTLY)
JACINDA: I remember
coming into the office
at the beginning of 2020
after a really hard year,
and saying, "I have a new mantra
for the year.
I'm going to be Zen.
It's my goal for this year.
I'm just gonna take everything
in my stride,
everything that comes our way."
And then two months later,
COVID arrived.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(NEVE SQUEALING, LAUGHING)
JACINDA:
Our health professionals
are telling us that, look,
despite the geopolitical issues,
of course, that this
has fundamentally changed
the world, potentially.
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA: Take a deep breath.
Like, take a deep breath,
because what--
He just told me that a fight...
there was a brawl
that police were called to,
because a Chinese man
sneezed in Australia.
And what is this gonna do?
It's just horrific.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
I just feel sorry for myself
listening to that
'cause I just have no idea
what's coming.
Absolutely no idea.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: New Zealand
is in a very unique position
where we only have six cases
at the moment.
Six cases, two probables,
which makes us pretty unique.
But every other country
in the world
has started out like this,
and then it's gone extreme.
So, today, we're basically
gonna close the borders. (SIGHS)
We will have the most stringent
border controls
in the world at that point.
(BABBLING)
JACINDA:
There's different models
going on at the moment.
Boris Johnson
is taking the approach
of the only choice
is to allow this
to sweep through the country
and get it over and done with.
So, he's not altering
any border controls.
He's basically telling people
that they're going to die...
and that he is going
to try and ease
the suffering of people
who have it.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA:
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA:
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
- (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
- JACINDA:
- (EXHALES SHARPLY)
- STAFF MEMBER: You'll be okay?
Yeah.
- (BREATHES DEEPLY)
- CLARKE: Oh, honey.
ADVISOR: I think you'll be asked
why didn't you go two days ago,
and I think that's the answer.
I think the answer
is we will be...
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA: No, if they ask me
what powers,
I'll say we're using
the Public Health Act,
I'll be issuing
an epidemic notice,
and we're also moving
in level four to a state
of national emergency.
(EXHALES)
(EXHALES)
- (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING)
- JACINDA: Good afternoon.
We currently have 102 cases.
If community transmission
takes off in New Zealand,
the number of cases will double
every five days.
If that happens,
our health system
will be inundated
and tens of thousands
of New Zealanders will die.
We have always said
we would act early,
decisively, and go hard.
- (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
- JACINDA: Our plan is simple.
We can stop the spread
by staying at home
and reducing contact.
Non-essential businesses
in New Zealand
must now close.
All bars, restaurants,
cafes, playgrounds,
any other place
where the public congregate
must close
their face-to-face function.
Thank you
for all that you're about to do.
Please be strong, be kind,
and unite against COVID-19.
(MUSIC BUILDS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
JACINDA: If I was going to lead
through this pandemic,
I needed to understand
that illness
as well as anyone else.
If things went wrong,
it was my job to try and fix it.
- (MUSIC FADES)
- CLARKE:
(SCOFFS) See? No pressure.
(NEVE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
There you go.
(NEVE BABBLES)
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
JACINDA: Growing up, my dad,
you know, over summer,
he would, you know,
it was the time
when he would read something
other than the newspaper
every night,
and he would read these books
on Antarctic exploration.
(FILM PROJECTOR RATTLING)
JACINDA: From what they called
"The Heroic Age."
I just loved those stories.
Ernest Shackleton
was an Antarctic explorer
who set off in 1914
to be the first person
to make a land-based crossing
of the Antarctic continent.
But his ship became stuck
in pack ice.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
CONTINUES)
JACINDA:
As a leader, he was so focused
on how he could maintain
collective optimism.
He was really focused
on how the team
would come together.
Instead of achieving his goal,
his entire focus became
saving the lives of those
who were with him.
- (MUSIC FADES)
- (EXPLORERS CHATTERING)
(WIND HOWLING FAINTLY)
JACINDA: I had the very best
scientific advice,
the best public health advice,
great ministers.
But...
it still sat squarely on me.
CLARKE:
- Yep.
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
Yep.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
JACINDA: I just need
to focus on the evidence,
and the science,
and the modeling, and...
the right thing to do.
This is sitting between me
and going to sleep now.
- (CLARKE CHUCKLES)
- This and you. Sorry.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
CONTINUES)
Are you fake carrying
- washing around the room?
- Yes, I am.
(BOTH LAUGH)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
- CLARKE: Good luck.
- Okay, see you.
(CLARKE CHUCKLES)
JACINDA:
Today, there are no active cases
in New Zealand.
NEVE:
JOURNALIST:
...your immediate reaction
when you heard there were
no active cases of COVID-19
remaining in New Zealand?
Um, I... I did a little dance.
REPORTER 1:
With no active cases,
crowds can now gather
wherever, whenever.
REPORTER 2: In New Zealand,
the pandemic doesn't exist.
No face masks,
no social restrictions,
no hospitals in crisis.
ANDREW CAMPBELL:
What is it? Why?
What is it I'm doing that...
CAMPBELL:
It's not a moral,
it's a science-based response.
JACINDA: What, life over money?
CAMPBELL:
Yeah.
(APPLAUSE)
JACINDA:
(ALL LAUGH)
Neve, when she sees me
pick this up, says,
- "Bye-bye, see you tomorrow."
- (ALL LAUGH)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
STAFF MEMBER: Hello, Neve.
(JACINDA SIGHING)
INTERVIEWER:
JACINDA: (RECORDING, CHUCKLES)
Um...
(NEVE BABBLING)
JACINDA:
(PERFORMERS HARMONIZING)
(CONTINUE HARMONIZING)
(AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
CLARKE: I don't know
if you know what it's like
to try and have
a disagreement with someone
who has just been voted
the world's
most eloquent leader.
(AUDIENCE LAUGHING, CHEERING)
Please welcome to the stage
my not-quite-wife,
the Prime Minister
of New Zealand, Jacinda.
- (AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
- (UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING)
REPORTER:
There are 17 days to go
in a COVID-19 election.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(CROWD CHUCKLING)
Oh, no.
So... (CHUCKLES)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- (UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA:
Actually, do you know what?
WORKER:
Is it? Oh, thank you.
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA:
I remember election night
watching seats coming in for us
that never come in for us.
- Yes!
- (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: And being, you know,
amazed by that.
COMMENTATOR: Wow! Auckland
is her best place to win.
(CELL PHONE BUZZING)
Here we go, guys.
(CLARKE SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
Evening, Judith.
(JUDITH SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY
OVER PHONE)
Thank you.
I really appreciate that,
Judith.
You look after yourself.
Take care. Bye.
Let's summarize that as brief.
"I'm just calling
to congratulate you.
You've done brilliantly.
You've done really well."
CLARKE:
I think that was a concession.
(CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
JACINDA: Tonight...
New Zealand has
shown the Labour Party
its greatest support
in at least 50 years.
(CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
I didn't expect Saturday.
(CHUCKLES)
Uh, and maybe
that's because we spent
so much time
taking nothing for granted
that I genuinely
took nothing for granted.
I don't want you
to think for a moment
that it was just
because of a pandemic.
It's because of the way
we got us
through a pandemic.
Crises make governments
and they break governments.
And I think we just displayed
what we're made of.
And what we're made of
is compassion, and empathy,
and a real drive
to do things for others.
(CROWD CHEERING)
(MUSIC TURNS UPLIFTING)
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
Probably a good time to ask you
how you're feeling
about the job now.
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
- (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
- (SIRENS WAILING)
JACINDA:
We knew the rest of the world
was in a horrific winter,
in the middle
of managing COVID.
And here we were,
so lucky, out in the sun.
Just a couple
of days before New Year's
and I'm standing on a stage
at a concert.
There was this euphoria
that you could tell was there
because of what people
had gone through that year.
Just the sheer joy that here
was everyone out together.
I looked out and thought,
"Oh my gosh,
what if one person
in that crowd has COVID?"
Every time I saw
some people's names on my phone,
I thought,
"Oh no, have we got a case?
Have we got a case?"
If I was in a meeting
and a staff member walked out,
I would think,
"We've got a case."
It haunted me.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
We've had a phone call,
another COVID outbreak.
- I wanna go! (SOBBING)
- No, no, no, darling.
- We're going soon.
- (SOBBING) I wanna go.
JACINDA: We made the decision
to move Auckland
to alert level three
for a period of seven days.
New Zealand will move
to alert level four
from 11:59...
...move to level two at 11:59...
REPORTER 1: She's the darling
of the liberal left
and she likes lockdowns.
REPORTER 2:
Most authoritarian leader
that country has ever had
and no one else comes close.
JACINDA:
(MUSIC TURNS PENSIVE)
I just don't understand
how anyone could assume
that I'm so cavalier
about having a whole city
and over a million people
in lockdown.
Of course,
I think about it all the time.
I have to take sleeping pills
so I don't think
about it all the time.
- (WATER SPLASHING)
- (CUP CLANKS)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
SIMON BRIDGES: My question
is to the Prime Minister.
Does she accept estimates
that New Zealand's economy
will shrink
by ten percent this year,
while Australia's will fall
by less than five?
JACINDA:
Mr. Speaker, as I've said,
- I've heard the range of...
- BRIDGES:
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
SPEAKER: Order, order.
Simon Bridges yelled
across the House,
"She doesn't do the economy."
(MUSIC FADES)
I wanted to punch him
in the face.
(CLARKE CHUCKLES)
JACINDA:
That member may have the luxury
of sitting on that side
of the House
not bearing the consequences
of a wrong move.
Shouldn't the Prime Minister
make a new decision
every single day
about how she can safely
get more businesses
back to business?
I'd love to see
the member's evidence
that that's not exactly
what we are doing.
We're like a group of children
in the backseat of the car
yelling, "Are we there yet?"
Mr. Speaker,
it's a global pandemic.
(NEVE SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
Relative to other years,
this has been the worst.
(ALL LAUGH)
GUEST: Yeah.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES)
NEVE:
(SEAGULLS SQUAWKING)
Hey.
(VOICE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY
OVER PHONE)
JACINDA: Yeah.
(VOICE CONTINUES SPEAKING)
JACINDA: Yeah.
(HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
CLARKE: What a bugger.
Here we are in a country
that has pretty much
suppressed Delta
through our remarkable uptake
and success
of our vaccine program.
And just when you think
you've got a handle on that,
and that life is, sort of,
coming to some semblance
of normal,
along comes another variant.
It's not going to be pretty
as people adjust
and get used
to yet another wave
of this incredibly
unpredictable...
bastard of a... of a virus.
JACINDA:
If it has been four months
since your second dose,
you are due your booster.
Please go to Book My Vaccine...
CLARKE: A whole lot
of anti-vaxxers
have now shown up
at my parents' house
and are protesting
out the front.
We don't have
overbearing security.
And then suddenly
you start to feel a bit unsafe.
JACINDA: Just a reminder again,
of course, we've had...
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
(CROWD CHEERING)
PROTEST LEADER:
Shout out, "Freedom!"
CROWD: Freedom!
PROTEST LEADER:
Shout out "Freedom!"
CROWD: Freedom!
CAMPBELL:
And I think...
Yeah.
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
Okay, well, a new year,
another year.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
JACINDA:
INTERVIEWER: Hmm.
JACINDA:
Mm, it gets bigger. Hmm.
(ENGINES REVVING)
PROTEST LEADER 1:
You're trying to tell us
that our freedom is found
in getting the jab!
Jacinda has created
a New Zealand
that I do not want to live in.
I reject Jacindaland!
PROTEST LEADER 2:
Our forefathers have fought
for this land
and you don't ride
roughshod over it
because some girl in a skirt
is on a power trip!
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: They had fake gallows
on the Forecourt.
Ropes hanging down there.
They had the names
of politicians, family members.
Um, it was, yeah, it was...
It was grim. Really grim.
(CROWD CLAMORING)
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
- (PROTESTERS CHEERING)
- (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
(PROTEST LEADER
SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)
(MUSIC FADES)
CLARKE: So, how would you
describe this last week?
If there is like
a subterranean space
that sits beneath hell...
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
That. (CHUCKLES)
(CROWD CLAMORING)
(CLAMOR CONTINUES)
("YOU'RE THE VOICE"
PLAYING OVER SPEAKER)
Oh God, this version
of John Farnham, the song,
they have played it
so many times.
- CAMPBELL:
(OVER PHONE) Oh no, no, no.
- (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
CAMPBELL: It's an absolute party
down there
by the looks
of what I was just seeing
- on the live.
- Yeah.
Anyway, I'm gonna go home.
I can't do work here
anymore, so...
CAMPBELL: No, no,
that's completely
understandable.
JACINDA: I mean,
their protest signs all say,
"End the mandate
and we'll go home."
I would wager that probably
95 percent of the people
down there are not affected
by the mandate.
They're not nurses
and doctors and teachers.
They're waving American flags
and Canadian flags,
and you can't help feeling
that they've fallen
into someone else's wormhole
and it's not ours.
Yeah.
There was a woman on the news
last night that said
that her husband
had got the booster
and that she was going
to divorce him...
as a result,
and that he would probably die.
So, that's his third dose
of the vaccine,
and he is not dead,
so obviously he is not
going to die. (CHUCKLES)
But that's where--
That's the psychology
down there.
And it's quite hard to know that
that's what you're dealing with,
'cause it's not rational.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(CROWD CLAMORING)
JACINDA: We didn't intend
for mandates to be forever,
but the problem is
we couldn't...
We, at that point,
couldn't say when we felt like
we could safely remove them,
but what I wasn't going to do
was arbitrarily remove them
because people were occupying
Parliament's grounds.
Your job is to govern
for everybody.
PROTESTER:
CALLER 1:
Talking about the country
being deeply divided.
It's not deeply divided.
It's not.
There's a one,
two-percent minority
who are making a lot of noise
because they can't get
what they want
and they don't want to do
their bit for society.
CALLER 2:
CALLER 3:
CALLER 4:
(CROW CLAMORING)
CALLER 5:
REPORTER:
Wow.
Hands off our children.
There's... there's no...
There's no vaccine mandates
for children.
And you see
those signs everywhere.
(CROWD CLAMORING)
PROTESTER:
JACINDA: This is an issue...
ACTIVIST:
This is an issue...
(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)
(CHILD CRYING)
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
PROTESTER: No more Jacinda!
JACINDA: Today, my first event
got hijacked.
Someone found out where I was
and put it on Facebook,
and they just descended.
So, by the time I left,
they had to kind of rush me out.
PROTESTER 1: There's Jacinda.
PROTESTER 2: Look at her hiding
in the back.
Hiding in the fucking back.
PROTESTER 1:
Go, go, go, go, go.
(PROTESTERS LAUGHING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
INTERVIEWER: (RECORDING)
There's been a bit
of media coverage lately
about awful online abuse
of women,
particularly women politicians.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
(NEVE SPEAKING SOFTLY)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA: At various points
there would be
different rumors
about me and my family.
Some of them
were really hurtful.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA:
One of the attacks on Clarke
culminated in this hashtag,
"Where is Clarke Gayford?"
And when I'd see it,
I would think, "He's at home
raising our baby girl.
That is where he is."
CARTOON CHARACTER: (OVER TV)
Wow, you're so fancy...
JACINDA:
I made the choice to be there.
My family didn't.
And yet, they paid a price.
CLARKE: I still smell like fish.
It's because I've been
living here.
(CHUCKLES)
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
(DOG BARKING)
JACINDA:
CAMPBELL: (OVER PHONE)
Okay.
CAMPBELL: They didn't know
it was fake or it was real.
- Yeah.
- CAMPBELL: So at this stage...
(CONTINUES SPEAKING
INDISTINCTLY)
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(CROWD CLAMORING)
- Aotearoa! Aotearoa!
- (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
- (SIRENS WAILING)
- (PROTESTERS PERFORMING HAKA)
(MUSIC TURNS PENSIVE)
REPORTER: (ON VIDEO)
A standoff never seen
before at Parliament.
At dawn,
hundreds of police moved in
on the occupation that stretched
into its fourth week,
and they came prepared.
(PROTESTERS CLAMORING)
PROTESTOR: Fuck you! Fuck you!
- (HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
- (PROTESTERS PERFORMING HAKA)
INTERVIEWER: (OVER PHONE)
Recording identification,
this is interview number 27
with Jacinda Ardern
of the Labour Party
for the Political Diary Project.
I take it you're not
at Parliament
with the police
and the protesters?
JACINDA:
INTERVIEWER: What's it been like
being besieged there
these last few weeks?
Pretty awful.
And just people
are being abused,
coming into the Beehive.
And you just see,
you see all the signs
- and you hear them, you know.
- (NEVE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
(WHISPERING) You can have
this piece, darling.
It's that piece here, right?
You can have your own one.
Oh, you want--
You want one? Okay.
So, yeah.
So, no, it hasn't been...
Hasn't-- It hasn't been good.
- (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
- (JACINDA SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
JACINDA:
- (PROTESTERS CLAMORING)
- (ALARMS BLARING)
OFFICER: Just go ahead
and let the people-- Come on.
Keep going.
- (CLAMORING CONTINUES)
- (SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
PROTESTER 1:
Where are you, Jacinda?
Your parliament's on fire.
Look at what you've caused just
by lying to your own people!
(INDISTINCT CLAMOR)
PROTESTER 2:
This is Jacinda's world.
JACINDA:
What the fuck did they do?
(ALARMS BLARING IN DISTANCE)
- (HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
- (SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)
CLARKE:
- Anyone?
- STAFF MEMBER:
I'm all good, thank you.
CLARKE:
Jacinda wants a cup of tea.
Grant, do you want a cup of tea?
- GRANT: No, thanks, Clarke.
- JACINDA:
CLARKE: Someone will drink
the cup of tea. Yeah.
(JACINDA BREATHES DEEPLY)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT CLAMOR)
JACINDA: To see the Parliament,
your Parliament, our Parliament,
desecrated in that way
by a small group
of illegal protesters,
made me feel both angry
and deeply sad.
But as I say, it is not
something that will define
New Zealand's response
to this pandemic.
It was an illegal occupation.
They engaged in hostile,
violent, and aggressive behavior
throughout the occupation.
And today, that has culminated
in the desecration
of this Parliament's grounds,
the People's Parliament,
our democracy.
CALLER:
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(NEVE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
(MUSIC CONCLUDES)
(WATER SPLASHING)
- CLARKE: It's dark. Pull me.
- (NEVE MUMBLING)
- (MUMBLING)
- (GRUNTS)
- Is that pretty good?
- NEVE: Yeah.
- Do you wanna try?
- NEVE: No, no, I...
(CHUCKLES)
(WIND RUSTLING)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA:
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA:
But I still carry grief...
over it.
(MUSIC CONCLUDES)
JACINDA:
For all the thinking I give
to what I would have
done differently,
I would still rather be sitting
in front of the public
and explaining why
perhaps we did too much...
rather than
why we did too little.
Because... the doing too little
was the difference
between people living
and people dying. Mm-hmm.
- (HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
- (WIND HOWLING FAINTLY)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: How many times
have you set out in life
and thought, "Here's my goal."
Here's the thing
that I'm setting out to achieve.
But then along the way,
achieve something
completely different.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
JACINDA: After nearly two years
on the ice...
in the most
atrocious conditions...
Shackleton brought
every crew member back alive.
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(MUSIC FADES)
JACINDA:
I had two goals in COVID.
Save people's lives
and keep everyone together.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
PLAYING)
JACINDA: And I did one.
But I didn't manage
to quite do the other.
JACINDA: (RECORDING)
We did a lot.
We did a lot
on progressive issues,
things that meant a lot to us.
We set ambitious goals
for climate change,
lifted kids out of poverty...
increase the minimum wage
and try to make
people's lives easier.
(CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC
CONTINUES)
And I worried that people,
in reaction to me
having outstayed my welcome,
that some of the things we did--
and that mattered to me more
than me being in the job--
that some of the things
that we achieved
might be undone.
If we remove me
from the equation,
then perhaps we won't backslide
on those things.
Perhaps those things
that really matter,
they'll stay.
Even if I'm gone.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: I need to just bring
the temperature down
a little bit
for the good of politics,
for the good of New Zealand...
for the good of the pendulum
that swings.
- Am I allowed out now?
- NEVE: No, you have to...
JACINDA: It was important to me
that when I made the decision
there actually
was nothing particularly
going on at the time.
(CLARKE SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
JACINDA:
COVID and the occupation
was almost a year ago.
(CLARKE MUTTERS INDISTINCTLY)
(HANGERS RATTLING)
What a year to resign.
CLARKE: Which is gonna come
as a shock
to just about everyone?
I... I don't know, I suppose so.
There was no single moment.
It was just...
um, this overwhelming...
feeling that, um...
that if something else happened,
something else that was...
big or difficult,
that I wouldn't have enough
in the tank
to do a good job.
CLARKE: Have you ever thought
about sort of reviewing
your processes
in those instances
where you could have maybe...
shared a bit of that workload?
Did you just try
and tell me to delegate?
(CLARKE LAUGHS)
- In a fairly subtle way, yeah.
- It wasn't subtle.
It was like
a full-blown mansplain.
CLARKE: But do you think
that's been part of the problem?
Not being able
to delegate some of the...
Well, because you really go in
boots and all.
Your own staff members
gave you a stethoscope...
(CHUCKLES)
- ...in response to your...
- Time is not helping you.
CLARKE: No, I mean I know.
But it's serious, though.
No, no,
because those actually...
There's things
about the ongoing job.
It's not that just
if something bad happens,
I don't have enough
to keep going.
It's the cumulative effect
of everything as well.
It's almost the politics...
(CHUCKLES)
...that I find...
yeah, pretty unrelenting.
I just know I'm gonna find
the next year hard.
Mm.
Going from full speed
all of the time to nothing.
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)
And so today, I'm announcing
that I will not
be seeking re-election.
And that my term
as Prime Minister
will conclude no later
than the seventh of February.
REPORTER: Walking away
from the most powerful job
in New Zealand politics,
bowing out nine months
before the election.
(INAUDIBLE)
(YELLS, CHUCKLES)
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
- Cheers! Cheers!
(NEVE MUMBLES INDISTINCTLY)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: Mr. Speaker,
when it came time
to pen these words,
my father suggested
that I go back,
and look at the first ones
I shared in this House.
I was 28 years old.
If I'm honest,
I was probably more
than a little shocked
to be here.
A feeling that even
after 15 years,
never quite left me.
Politics has never been
a tick list for me.
It's always been about progress.
Sometimes you can measure it
and sometimes you can't.
To my family,
people knew we were connected
and you copped a lot of flak.
Clarke, not many politicians
have a partner,
that when they say,
"I'm thinking
of leaving politics," reply,
"I think you should stay."
(PARLIAMENT MEMBERS CHUCKLE)
JACINDA:
Thank you for all your patience,
your love, and support.
To my darling girl, Neve.
Gosh, I love how independent
you are already.
(PARLIAMENT MEMBERS CHUCKLE)
JACINDA: Means you won't grow up
being known
as the ex-Prime Minister's
daughter, but rather,
I will happily be known
as Neve's mum.
(PARLIAMENT MEMBERS CHEERING,
APPLAUDING)
JACINDA: Now, I cannot determine
what will define
my time in this place,
but I do hope
I've demonstrated
something else entirely.
That you can be
anxious, sensitive, kind,
and wear your heart
on your sleeve.
You can be a mother or not.
You can be a nerd,
a crier, a hugger.
You can be all of these things.
And not only can you be here,
you can lead...
just like me.
Thank you. You're so kind.
Thank you so much.
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
- CLARKE: Job done.
- Job done.
CLARKE: What's next?
CLARKE:
Cup of tea and a lie down.
INTERVIEWER:
Well, it's been what,
almost two weeks since...
(CHUCKLES)
...you shocked the nation.
What made you do that?
JACINDA: (CHUCKLING)
(CHUCKLES)
I got a lift with Clarke down
to the waterfront.
We went for a walk.
And it was, yeah, it was gone.
Just that...
that weight...
uh, that just sits there
all of the time,
that at any moment
you might be called upon
because something might happen,
or just that constant sense
of responsibility.
Uh, it just went straight away.
Mm. It surprised me.
Mm.
You know, since in Wellington
there were some surfers
who were out,
there's this one guy who's got
the back of his van open,
and he just yells,
"Hey, young lovers!"
And... (LAUGHS)
And I thought, "Oh my gosh,
I can't remember
the last time
I was called young."
(NEVE YELLS, MUMBLES)
JACINDA: I didn't feel like
I looked that way anymore.
I felt like I looked
like I carried the weight
of the world on my shoulders.
(THE AIR THAT I BREATHE
BY THE HOLLIES PLAYING)
CLARKE:
Oh, that's awesome, Neve!
It is! It's working!
CLARKE: It's working. Just keep
running, Mum. Don't stop.
(CHUCKLES)
Something about the way
he yelled it,
I thought,
"Man, do we look different?"
(CHUCKLES)
(AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
JACINDA: I come from the bottom
of the world.
I was lucky enough
to be prime minister
of that beautiful country
for five years.
(SONG CONTINUES)
JACINDA: I unexpectedly
found myself as leader,
and soon after found myself
with a bit
of a surprise pregnancy.
I was and still am
an incredibly normal person,
plagued with imposter syndrome
and self-doubt,
who just happened to find myself
in an extraordinary position.
I am living, breathing,
incredibly flawed proof
that you underestimate
what you are capable of
until you are doing it.
(GUESTS CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
Sometimes
All I need is
The air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is
The air that I breathe
Yes, to love you...
REPORTER:
She has become a global symbol
of compassion, resilience,
hope, and bold,
and decisive action.
(ELECTRONIC GUITAR PLAYING)
JACINDA:
Kia ora and good evening.
It is my pleasure to be here.
HOST: Tonight, we have
Jacinda with us,
and the United States
has borrowed her
for a long stay,
so we're grateful
to have you here.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
GIRL: Thank you, thank you.
Yes, yes.
JACINDA:
When your own constitution
was adopted,
Benjamin Franklin was asked
what had been created,
and he replied, quote,
"A republic if you can keep it."
If you can keep it.
And the overwhelming challenges
that lay in front of us,
and our constant efforts
to reach into the systems,
the structures, the power,
don't overlook the simple act
right in front of you.
The impact that we each have
as individuals.
KAMALA HARRIS:
The former president had said
that climate change is a hoax.
JACINDA: The disinformation
will only increase.
The pull into the comfort
of our tribes will be magnified.
But we have it within us
to ensure that
that doesn't mean we fracture.
We are at a precipice.
But I'm an optimist at heart.
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
(DOG BARKS)
JACINDA:
Shackleton had this saying...
"Optimism is true
moral courage."
You know it's a state
of mind that...
helps to motivate.
That helps you to push through.
(INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING)
JACINDA: I always got the sense
that we would treat people
who would describe themselves
in that way as if they're naive.
As if they're dreamers.
Optimism is not naivety,
it's hope.
We have war raging,
the ongoing challenge
and threat of climate change...
rapid technological development.
It is hard not to switch
on the news some days
and just think the world
is a dumpster fire.
How do we shine a light
on the humanity
that I know is still there
in amongst everything else?
Mm.
That's what keeps me
going anyway.
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JACINDA: My life and my world
is very small here
and I like that a lot.
(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)
When we recognized you
from across the street,
I was like, "My goodness."
(FAINT CHATTER)
- JACINDA: Hi.
- (DOOR CLOSING)
- (NEVE YELLS, MUMBLES)
- (JACINDA CHUCKLES)
NEVE: Yay!
JACINDA: Since we've been away,
it's actually just felt quieter.
And I think that's probably
what we needed.
- How's he doing?
- NEVE: Good.
JACINDA: So, this is just
a moment in time.
CLARKE: Hey, Mum.
(KISSES)
(FAINT CHATTER)
JACINDA: But...
yeah, nowhere will ever
be like home.
(DONT DREAM ITS OVER
BY CROWDED HOUSE PLAYING)
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
There is freedom within
There is freedom without
Try to catch the deluge
In a paper cup
There's a battle ahead
Many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end
Of the road
While you're travelling
With me
Hey, now, hey, now
Don't dream it's over
Hey, now, hey, now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know, they won't win
Now I'm towing my car
There's a hole in the roof
My possessions
Are causing me suspicion
But there's no proof
In the paper today
Tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over
To the TV page
Hey, now, hey, now
Don't dream it's over
Hey, now, hey, now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know, they won't win
Hey, now, hey, now
Hey, now, hey, now
Don't let them win
Hey, now, hey, now
Don't let them win
(SONG FADES)
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC CONCLUDES)