RNZ (Sourced Content)
Monday, June 11, 2018 was the last day that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spent in Wellington until she returns from parental leave, as she prepares for the birth of her child.
Ms Ardern conducted her last post Cabinet news briefing before taking six weeks off for parental leave.
She said that she would continue to work but after today would be based in Auckland.
‘Impending Arrival’
With a due date of June 17, she said she may be “tempting fate” by continuing to travel to Wellington so would remain within driving distance of Auckland from now on.
She told reporters that the ‘impending arrival’ of a new addition to the family was an exciting time.
“I have to admit though, of course things like travel does add a little air of tension because it means you are not just managing your own, you are managing logistics in case things happen before you expect them,” Ms Ardern said.
Once Ms Ardern arrives at the hospital, New Zealand First Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters will take over as Acting Prime Minister.
Great Expectations
She has set out in writing the expectations that she has of Mr Peters, in line with the Cabinet Manual.
If there was a “significant political, strategic or public interest, or national security,” Ms Ardern would be consulted and involved in any decision that might be needed.
She would also continue to receive all Cabinet papers while on parental leave, and would also expect to deal with any disciplinary matters involving Labour Party ministers.
Last week, a tweet from Ms Ardern’s Partner Clarke Gayford on “almost having a baby” had people wondering whether the couple had a false alarm.
Indian Newslink has published the above Report and Picture under a Special Agreement with www.rnz.co.nz. Indian Newslink wishes the Prime Minister a safe delivery. We will bring news of the arrival of her baby on our Web Editions and Social Media.
*
Photo Caption:
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on her way to the post cabinet news briefing on June 11, 2018.
(Photo for RNZ by Chris Bramwell)
