73-567: On 29 January 2020, the New Zealand Upgrade Programme was announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern . The programme is a $ 12 billion infrastructure package to improve roads, rail, hospitals and schools around the country, of which $ 8 billion has been allocated and the other $ 4 billion is part of the infrastructure section of the 2020 budget . Leader of the Labour Party Leader of
146-822: A list MP from 2008 to 2017, and for Mount Albert from 2017 to 2023. Born in Hamilton , Ardern grew up in Morrinsville and Murupara . She joined the New Zealand Labour Party at the age of 17. After graduating from the University of Waikato in 2001, Ardern worked as a researcher in the office of Prime Minister Helen Clark . She later worked in London as an adviser in the Cabinet Office during Tony Blair's premiership . In 2008, Ardern
219-611: A progressive . The Sixth Labour Government faced challenges from the New Zealand housing crisis , child poverty , and social inequality . In March 2019, in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque shootings , Ardern reacted by rapidly introducing strict gun laws , winning her wide recognition. Throughout 2020 she led New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic , for which she won praise for New Zealand being one of
292-903: A $ 60 per-week universal BestStart Payment for low and middle-income families with young children. The Family Tax Credit, Orphans Benefit, Accommodation Supplement, and Foster Care Allowance were all substantially increased as well. In 2019, the government began the roll-out of a school lunches pilot programme to assist in reducing child poverty numbers; this was then extended to support 200,000 children (about 25 per cent of school rolls) in low decile schools. Other efforts to reduce poverty have included increases to main welfare benefits , expanding free doctor's visits, providing free menstrual hygiene products in schools and adding to state housing stock. However, as of 2022 critics say rising housing costs are continuing to cripple families and systemic changes are needed to ensure any gains are lasting. Economically, Ardern's government has implemented steady increases to
365-628: A 2018 United Nations General Assembly meeting, Ardern became the first female head of government to attend with her infant present. Her address to the General Assembly praised the United Nations for its multilateralism, expressed support for the world's youth, called for immediate attention to the effects and causes of climate change , for the equality of women, and for kindness as the basis for action. On 24 September 2019, Ardern met with United States President Donald Trump on
438-474: A capital gains tax during the first term of a Labour government. Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson later clarified that Labour would not introduce new taxes until after the 2020 election. The policy shift accompanied strident allegations by Minister of Finance Steven Joyce that Labour had an $ 11.7 billion "hole" in its tax policy. The Labour and Green parties' proposed water and pollution taxes also generated criticism from farmers. On 18 September 2017,
511-541: A coalition with Labour, making Ardern the next prime minister. This coalition received confidence and supply from the Green Party. Ardern named Peters as deputy prime minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs . She also gave New Zealand First five posts in her government, with Peters and three other ministers serving in Cabinet. The next day, Ardern indicated her intention to take ministerial responsibilities in
584-527: A four-lane highway from Marsden Point to Whangārei . In the South Island , Canterbury will receive $ 159 million mainly for highway safety projects, while Queenstown will receive $ 90 million to improve public transport into the town centre. Auckland will put $ 360 million of its $ 3.48 billion towards its first walking and cycling path across the Waitemata Harbour as a shared path over
657-487: A historically low opinion polling result for the party, with Ardern elected unopposed as leader in his place. Labour's support increased rapidly after Ardern became leader, and she led her party to gain 14 seats at the 2017 general election on 23 September, winning 46 seats to the National Party 's 56. After negotiations, New Zealand First chose to enter a minority coalition government with Labour, supported by
730-465: A landslide victory, gaining 77 per cent of votes cast in the preliminary results. Following her win in the by-election, Ardern was unanimously elected as deputy leader of the Labour Party on 7 March 2017, following the resignation of Annette King , who was intending to retire at the next election. Ardern's vacant list seat was taken by Raymond Huo . On 1 August 2017, just seven weeks before
803-648: A period of time in New York City, United States, where she volunteered at a soup kitchen and worked on a workers' rights campaign, Ardern moved to London, England, in 2006, where she became a senior policy adviser in an 80-person policy unit of the United Kingdom Cabinet Office under prime minister Tony Blair . (She did not meet Blair in person while in London, but later at an event in New Zealand in 2011 she questioned him about
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#1732779555112876-656: A photograph of her hugging a member of the Christchurch Muslim community with the word "peace" in English and Arabic was projected onto the Burj Khalifa , the world's tallest building. A 25-metre (82 ft) mural of this photograph was unveiled in May 2019. In response to the shootings, Ardern announced her government's intention to introduce stronger firearms regulations. She said that the attack had exposed
949-530: A range of weaknesses in New Zealand's gun law . Less than one month after the attack, the New Zealand Parliament passed a law that bans most semiautomatic weapons and assault rifles, parts that convert guns into semiautomatic guns, and higher capacity magazines. Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired the 2019 Christchurch Call summit, which aimed to "bring together countries and tech companies in an attempt to bring to an end
1022-515: A report about the incident was published in The Spinoff . Media questioned her account, with one journalist stating that Ardern's claim was "hard to swallow". Ardern opposes criminalising people who use cannabis in New Zealand , and pledged to hold a referendum on the issue. A non-binding referendum to legalise cannabis was held in conjunction with the 2020 general election on 17 October 2020. Ardern admitted to past cannabis use during
1095-403: A statement broadcast on television, Ardern offered condolences and stated that the shootings had been carried out by suspects with "extremist views" that have no place in New Zealand, or anywhere else in the world. She also described it as a well-planned terrorist attack . Announcing a period of national mourning, Ardern was the first signatory of a national condolence book that she opened in
1168-595: A televised debate prior to the election. In the referendum, voters rejected the proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill by 51.17 per cent. A retrospective article published in a medical journal suggested that Ardern's refusal to publicly back the 'yes' campaign "may have been a decisive factor in the narrow defeat". In September 2020, Ardern announced that her government had abandoned plans to make tertiary education tuition free. On 5 November 2017, Ardern made her first official overseas trip to Australia, where she met Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for
1241-492: Is New Zealand's third female prime minister after Jenny Shipley (1997–1999) and Helen Clark (1999–2008). She is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders . Entering office aged 37, Ardern is also the youngest individual to become New Zealand's head of government since Edward Stafford , who became premier in 1856 also aged 37. On 19 January 2018, Ardern announced that she was pregnant, and that Winston Peters would take
1314-579: Is a general authority in the church. In 1994, she began studying at Morrinsville College , and later she was the student representative on the school's board of trustees. Whilst still at school, she found her first job, working at a local fish-and-chip shop . She joined the Labour Party at the age of 17. Her aunt, Marie Ardern, a longstanding member of the Labour Party, recruited the teenaged Ardern to help her with campaigning for New Plymouth MP Harry Duynhoven during his re-election campaign at
1387-480: Is expected to be completed by 2026, as well as $ 59 million going towards the improvement of State Highway 58 between Hutt Valley and Porirua . A new four-lane highway would be built from Ōtaki to north of Levin , bypassing the existing two-lane State Highway 1; this project will cost $ 817 million and start construction in 2025 with an estimated completion date of 2029. $ 991 million will be spent in Waikato and
1460-551: Is irrelevant". On 12 November 2017, Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker and Ardern announced that the government would continue participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations despite opposition from the Green Party. New Zealand ratified the revised agreement, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership , which she described as being better than
1533-479: Is located on the Wairarapa Line , 76.6 km (47.6 mi) north of Wellington and 14.4 km (8.9 mi) south of Masterton . The Wairarapa Connection serves the station several times daily with services to Wellington and Masterton. The station has a single seven-car side platform. This station retains its original station building (built in 1879-80), freight yard and loading bank, though freight
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#17327795551121606-493: Is no longer accepted. A ticket office operates in the station building prior to the departure of commuter trains bound for Wellington. Heritage rolling stock is stored in the yard. The Carterton Railway Museum , operated from the station building by the Wairarapa Railway Restoration Society , is open every Sunday between 10am and 4pm. Construction of buildings for use by railway staff and
1679-403: The 1999 general election . Ardern attended the University of Waikato , graduating in 2001 as a Bachelor of Communication Studies in politics and public relations , a specialist three-year degree. She took a semester abroad at Arizona State University in 2001. After graduating from university, she spent time working in the offices of Phil Goff and of Helen Clark as a researcher. After
1752-731: The 2003 invasion of Iraq ). Ardern was also seconded to the United Kingdom Home Office to help with a review of policing in England and Wales . On 30 January 2008, at 27, Ardern was elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) at their world congress in the Dominican Republic for a two-year term until 2010. The role saw her spend time in several countries, including Hungary, Jordan, Israel, Algeria and China. It
1825-460: The 2017 general election , Ardern assumed the position of leader of the Labour Party , and consequently became leader of the Opposition, following the resignation of Andrew Little . Little stood down due to the party's historically low polling. Ardern was unanimously confirmed in an election to choose a new leader at a caucus meeting the same day. At 37, Ardern became the youngest leader of
1898-653: The Bay of Plenty , including constructing the Tauranga Northern Link, widening State Highway 2 from Te Puna to Omokoroa to four lanes, and a roundabout at the SH 1/SH 29 intersection at Piarere . The Tautanga Northern Link will connect State Highway 29 to State Highway 2 at Te Puna , will cost $ 478 million and start construction in late 2020, set to be completed by 2025. $ 692 million will be spent in Northland on
1971-830: The Capital Connection rolling stock; and safety and capacity improvements at Wellington Station junction. Hospitals have been allocated $ 300 million, which includes $ 96 million on mental health and addiction services and $ 83 million on child and maternal health. A further $ 75 million will be put towards addressing poor conditions in hospitals and $ 26 million will go towards regional and rural services. The spending on child and maternal health will include upgrading neonatal care facilities in Counties Manukau, Auckland, Hutt Valley, and Wellington, while maternity facilities will be upgraded in South Canterbury and
2044-463: The Green Party , with Ardern as prime minister. She was sworn in by the governor-general on 26 October 2017. She became the world's youngest female head of government at age 37. Ardern gave birth to her daughter on 21 June 2018, making her the world's second elected head of government to give birth while in office (after Benazir Bhutto ). Ardern describes herself as a social democrat and
2117-724: The Harbour Bridge known as SkyPath, providing one of the "critical links" in completing the city's walking and cycling network. Three rail projects in Auckland will be funded: $ 371 million towards extending electrification of Auckland's rail network from Papakura to Pukekohe , $ 247 million to develop the Drury railway station with two new stations at Drury East and Drury West, and $ 315 million to build an additional rail line between Wiri and Westfield in South Auckland ;
2190-724: The National Security and Intelligence ; Arts, Culture and Heritage ; and children's portfolios; reflecting the shadow positions she held as Leader of the Opposition. She wanted to appoint herself the Minister for Children but was advised that role was too large to hold alongside her other responsibilities; instead, Ardern became the first Minister for Child Poverty Reduction . She was officially sworn in by Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy on 26 October, alongside her ministry . Upon taking office, Ardern said that her government would be "focused, empathetic and strong". Ardern
2263-413: The third main line project . In Greater Wellington, $ 211 million will be towards upgrading the lines from Wellington to Palmerston North and Masterton . It includes new passing loops at Maymorn and Carterton railway station ; a second platform at Featherston ; new rolling stock storage facilities at Wellington, Levin , and Masterton; signalling upgrades; level crossing safety upgrades; refurbishing
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2336-467: The $ 1.3 billion Mill Road highway, set to begin construction in late 2022, and the $ 411 million Penlink toll road between Whangaparaoa Peninsula and State Highway 1 , set to start in late 2021 and be complete by 2025. State Highway 1 between Papakura and Drury South would also be widened from four to six lanes. Wellington will receive $ 1.35 billion, including funding for the $ 258 million Melling interchange which will start construction in late 2022 and
2409-568: The 2018 UN General Assembly meeting. In late February 2020, Ardern met Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney. During her visit, she criticised Australia's policy of deporting New Zealanders, many of whom had lived in Australia but had not taken up Australian citizenship, as "corrosive" and damaging to Australia–New Zealand relations. On 15 March 2019, 51 people were fatally shot and 49 injured in two mosques in Christchurch . In
2482-558: The Hutt Valley. A new acute mental health care unit will be funded in Whakatāne . A further $ 5.2 million will be made available for hospitals to replace coal boilers used for heating with biomass boilers as well as a contingency fund of $ 20 million. Schools have been allocated $ 4.8 million to replace coal boilers used for heating with biomass boilers. The NZ Transport Agency estimates that between 7000 and 9000 jobs would be created by
2555-522: The Labour Party Leader of the Opposition Prime Minister General elections Dame Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern GNZM ( / dʒ ə ˈ s ɪ n d ə ɑːr ˈ d ɜːr n / jə- SIN -də ar- DURN ; born 26 July 1980) is a New Zealand former politician who served as the 40th prime minister of New Zealand and leader of the Labour Party from 2017 to 2023. She was a Labour member of Parliament (MP) as
2628-607: The Labour Party campaigning on a capital gains tax for the last three elections, Ardern pledged in April 2019 that the government would not implement a capital gains tax under her leadership. However, since then the period for which capital gain on rental properties sold is taxed has increased from five to ten years since purchase. Ardern travelled to Waitangi in 2018 for the annual Waitangi Day commemoration; stayed in Waitangi for five days, an unprecedented length. Ardern became
2701-445: The Labour Party in its history. She is also the second female leader of the party after Helen Clark . According to Ardern, Little had previously approached her on 26 July and said he thought she should take over as Labour leader then, as he was of the opinion he could not turn things around for the party, although Ardern declined and told him to "stick it out". At her first press conference, after her election as leader, she said that
2774-590: The Opposition Prime Minister General elections The government has allocated $ 6.8 billion into transport: $ 5.3 billion on roads and $ 1.1 billion on rail. Auckland will receive $ 3.48 billion of the transport funding. Seven highway projects in the North Island will cost $ 4.63 billion and are to be built over the next five to eight years. Some of them were formerly ' Roads of National Significance '. Auckland will receive $ 2.2 billion to be put towards roads, which mayor Phil Goff says will be put toward
2847-431: The ability to use social media to organise and promote terrorism and violent extremism ". On 14 March 2020, Ardern announced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand that the government would be requiring anyone entering the country from midnight 15 March to isolate themselves for 14 days. She said the new rules will mean New Zealand has the "widest ranging and toughest border restrictions of any country in
2920-537: The best result for the party since losing power in 2008. The rival Labour and National parties lacked sufficient seats to govern alone and held talks with the Greens and New Zealand First parties about forming a coalition. Under the country's mixed-member proportional (MMP) voting system, New Zealand First held the balance of power and chose to be part of a coalition government with Labour. On 19 October 2017, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters agreed to form
2993-476: The capital, Wellington . She also travelled to Christchurch to meet first responders and families of the victims. In an address at the Parliament, she declared she would never say the name of the attacker: "Speak the names of those who were lost rather than the name of the man who took them ... he will, when I speak, be nameless." Ardern received international praise for her response to the shootings, and
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3066-608: The country's minimum wage and introduced the Provincial Growth Fund to invest in rural infrastructure projects. The National Party's planned tax cuts were cancelled, saying instead it would prioritise expenditure on healthcare and education. The first year of post-secondary education was made free from 1 January 2018 and, after industrial action, the government agreed to increase primary teachers' pay by 12.8 (for beginning teachers) and 18.5 per cent (for senior teachers without other responsibilities) by 2021. Despite
3139-504: The farming lobby group Federated Farmers staged a protest against the taxes in Ardern's hometown of Morrinsville. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters attended the protest to campaign but was jeered at by the farmers because they suspected he was also in favour of the taxes. During the protest, one farmer displayed a sign calling Ardern a "pretty communist". This was criticised as misogynistic by former prime minister Helen Clark. In
3212-473: The few Western nations to successfully contain the virus. It is estimated that her government's actions saved as many as 80,000 lives. Ardern moved the Labour Party further to the centre towards the October 2020 general election , promising to cut spending during the remainder of the COVID-19 recession . She led the Labour Party to a landslide victory , gaining an overall majority of 65 seats in Parliament,
3285-419: The final days of the general election campaign, the opinion polls narrowed with National taking a slight lead. During the general election held on 23 September 2017, Ardern retained her Mount Albert electorate seat by a margin of 15,264 votes. Labour increased its vote share to 36.89 per cent while National dropped back to 44.45. Labour gained 14 seats, increasing its parliamentary representation to 46 seats,
3358-417: The first female prime minister to speak from the top marae . Her visit was largely well received by Māori leaders, with commentators noting a sharp contrast with the acrimonious responses received by several of her predecessors. On 24 August 2018, Ardern removed Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran from Cabinet after she failed to disclose a meeting with a broadcaster outside of parliamentary business, which
3431-445: The first five transport projects. The government estimates that the programme will give a $ 10 billion boost to New Zealand's economy over its first five years. The Labour Government promoted the package. Jacinda Ardern said the programme was "a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest in New Zealand – modernising our infrastructure, preparing for climate change and helping grow the economy". Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said
3504-453: The first time a majority government had been formed since the introduction of a proportional representation system in 1996. On 19 January 2023, Ardern announced she would resign as Labour leader. Following the unopposed election of Chris Hipkins as her successor, she resigned as leader of the Labour Party on 22 January and submitted her resignation as prime minister to the governor-general on 25 January. Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern
3577-480: The first time in over a decade. Detractors observed her positions were substantially similar to those of Andrew Little, and suggested that Labour's sudden increase in popularity were due to her youth and good looks. In mid-August, Ardern stated that a Labour government would establish a tax working group to explore the possibility of introducing a capital gains tax but ruled out taxing family homes. In response to negative publicity, Ardern abandoned plans to introduce
3650-521: The first time. Relations between the two countries had been strained in the preceding months because of Australia's treatment of New Zealanders living in the country, and shortly before taking office, Ardern had spoken of the need to rectify this situation, and to develop a better working relationship with the Australian government. Turnbull described the meeting in cordial terms: "we trust each other...The fact we are from different political traditions
3723-554: The forthcoming election campaign would be one of "relentless positivity". Immediately following her appointment, the party was inundated with donations by the public, reaching NZ$ 700 per minute at its peak. After Ardern's ascension to the leadership, Labour rose dramatically in opinion polls . By late August, the party had reached 43 per cent in the Colmar Brunton poll (having been 24 per cent under Little's leadership) as well as managing to overtake National in opinion polls for
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#17327795551123796-590: The front bench, naming her Labour's spokesperson for Youth Affairs and as associate spokesperson for Justice (Youth Affairs). She made regular appearances on TVNZ 's Breakfast programme as part of the "Young Guns" feature, in which she appeared alongside National MP (and future National leader) Simon Bridges . Ardern contested the seat of Auckland Central for Labour in the 2011 general election , standing against incumbent National MP Nikki Kaye for National and Greens candidate Denise Roche . She lost to Kaye by 717 votes. However, she returned to Parliament via
3869-728: The issue of Xinjiang internment camps and human-rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in China. Ardern has also raised concerns over the persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar . Ardern travelled to Nauru , where she attended the 2018 Pacific Islands Forum . Media and political opponents criticised her decision to travel separately from the rest of her contingent, costing taxpayers up to NZ$ 100,000, so that she could spend more time with her daughter. At
3942-480: The new leader. Ardern stood again in Auckland Central at the 2014 general election . She again finished second though increased her own vote and reduced Kaye's majority from 717 to 600. Ranked 5th on Labour's list, Ardern was still returned to Parliament where she became Shadow spokesperson for Justice, Children, Small Business, and Arts & Culture under new leader Andrew Little . In 2014 Ardern
4015-589: The original TPP agreement. Ardern attended the 2017 APEC summit in Vietnam, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 in London (featuring a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II ) and a United Nations summit in New York City. After her first formal meeting with Donald Trump she reported that the US president showed "interest" in New Zealand's gun buyback programme . In 2018, Ardern raised
4088-493: The party list, on which she was ranked 13th. Ardern maintained an office within the electorate while she was a list MP based in Auckland Central. After Goff resigned from the Party leadership following his defeat at the 2011 election, Ardern supported David Shearer over David Cunliffe . She was elevated to the fourth-ranking position in his Shadow Cabinet on 19 December 2011, becoming a spokesperson for social development under
4161-480: The plans I put in place when I was Transport Minister". Environmental groups Greenpeace and Generation Zero criticised the spending, with Greenpeace saying that spending more on roads "will only contribute to more of the dirty emissions that are driving the climate emergency". Associate Minister of Transport Julie Anne Genter agreed, writing that "A Green Party upgrade would have prioritised differently". Official website Jacinda Ardern Leader of
4234-421: The programme was the largest infrastructure investment in decades. Transport Minister Phil Twyford says the projects will speed up travel times, ease congestion and make roads safer by taking trucks off the road and on to rail. Finance Minister Grant Robertson called the programme "the biggest boost to infrastructure spending in New Zealand in more than a generation", adding that "a decade of under investment ...
4307-491: The resignation of David Shearer on 8 December 2016. When nominations for the Labour Party closed on 12 January 2017, Ardern was the only nominee and was selected unopposed. On 21 January, Ardern participated in the 2017 Women's March , a worldwide protest in opposition to Donald Trump , the newly inaugurated president of the United States. She was confirmed as Labour's candidate at a meeting on 22 January. Ardern won
4380-435: The role of acting prime minister for six weeks after the birth. Following the birth of a daughter, she took her maternity leave from 21 June to 2 August 2018. Ardern promised to halve child poverty in New Zealand within a decade. In July 2018, Ardern announced the start of her government's flagship Families Package. Among its provisions, the package gradually increased paid parental leave to 26 weeks and introduced
4453-437: The safe National electorate of Waikato . Ardern was unsuccessful in the electorate vote, but her high placement on Labour's party list allowed her to enter Parliament as a list MP . Upon election, she became the youngest sitting MP in Parliament, succeeding fellow Labour MP Darren Hughes , and remained the youngest MP until the election of Gareth Hughes on 11 February 2010. Opposition leader Phil Goff promoted Ardern to
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#17327795551124526-435: The sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting. During the 25-minute meeting, the two leaders discussed various issues including tourism, the Christchurch mosque shooting , and bilateral trade. During the meeting, Trump expressed an interest in New Zealand's gun buy-back scheme. The two leaders had earlier met briefly at the 2017 East Asia Summit, the 2017 APEC Summit, and during an exclusive party following
4599-527: The station itself was underway in May 1880, with the station master's house (used initially as the resident engineer's office); followed a month or two later by the station building. The first train to depart was a special goods train carrying a load of timber, on 5 July 1880. It was another three months before goods consignments were accepted, on 11 October 1880, with the first goods train running to Masterton two days later. The first passenger train ran on 30 October 1880. The line between Woodside and Masterton and
4672-565: The station sold 6,530 passenger tickets, and handled 13,610 tons of goods outward and 1,583 tons inward and 20,875 head of livestock, mostly sheep and mostly outward. Carterton was a staffed station until 1989 when the last staff positions were withdrawn. This move led to a decline in the condition of the station buildings, a situation which in part prompted the formation of the Wairarapa Railway Restoration Society . The goods shed and some unused track which
4745-412: The station were officially opened on 1 November 1880. In 1884 Carterton was recorded as having a five-room station building with a 60-by-30-foot (18.3 by 9.1 m) goods shed and watering facilities. Cattle and sheep yards and a loading bank were installed prior to 1890. There were three loops, holding 56, 23, and 9 wagons; a goods shed road holding 9; and a siding behind it with capacity of 32. In 1884
4818-440: The world". On 19 March, Ardern stated that New Zealand's borders would be closed to all non-citizens and non- permanent residents , after 11:59 pm on 20 March ( NZDT ). Ardern announced that New Zealand would move to alert level 4 , including a nationwide lockdown , at 11:59 pm on 25 March. Carterton railway station Carterton railway station is a suburban railway station serving Carterton , New Zealand . The station
4891-478: Was a 'handbrake' on the economy". Mayor of Auckland and former Labour MP Phil Goff praised the government's plans as "wise", saying "I commend the Government for delivering on our calls". Former opposition leader Simon Bridges criticised the government for "pick[ing] up where National left off", saying that it "has realised it has no infrastructure ideas of its own that it can deliver on, so it has copied
4964-815: Was also selected, attended and graduated from the World Economic Forum 's (WEF) Forum of Young Global Leaders , founded by Klaus Schwab , which takes place in Switzerland. She remains involved publicly as a part of the Young Global Leaders Alumni Community, and speaks at WEF events. Ardern put forward her name for the Labour nomination for the Mount Albert by-election to be held in February 2017 following
5037-471: Was born on 26 July 1980 in Hamilton , New Zealand. She grew up in Morrinsville and Murupara , where her father, Ross Ardern , worked as a police officer, and her mother, Laurell Ardern ( née Bottomley ), worked as a school catering assistant. She has an older sister named Louise. Ardern was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and her uncle, Ian S. Ardern,
5110-569: Was elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth . Ardern was first elected as an MP in the 2008 general election , when Labour lost power after nine years. She was later elected to represent the Mount Albert electorate in a by-election on 25 February 2017. Ardern was unanimously elected as deputy leader of the Labour Party on 1 March 2017, after the resignation of Annette King . Exactly five months later, with an election due, Labour's leader Andrew Little resigned after
5183-429: Was judged to be a conflict of interest. Curran remained a minister outside Cabinet, and Ardern was criticised by the Opposition for not dismissing Curran from her portfolio. Ardern later accepted Curran's resignation. In 2019, she was criticised for her handling of an allegation of sexual assault against a Labour Party staffer. Ardern said she had been told the allegation did not involve sexual assault or violence before
5256-465: Was mid-way through her presidency term that Ardern became a list MP for the Labour Party. She then continued to manage both roles for the next 15 months. Ahead of the 2008 election, Ardern was ranked 20th on Labour's party list . This was a very high placement for someone who was not already a sitting MP, and virtually assured her of a seat in Parliament. Accordingly, Ardern returned from London to campaign full-time. She also became Labour's candidate for
5329-746: Was used for marshalling purposes were removed in the late 1980s. The Society has saved the Waingawa station building in the early 1990s, along with the Clareville station , it is now located beside the loading bank in the Carterton Station Yard. As part of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme announced by the government on 29 January 2020, a new passing loop will be installed at Carterton. There are five Wairarapa Connection trains each way Monday to Thursday, six Friday and two Saturday and Sunday. There are occasional excursions, such as
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