Jacinda Ardern
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her longtime partner Clarke Gayford celebrated their union in a private ceremony on Saturday, marking a significant event that had been postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The couple, engaged since May 2019, originally planned to marry in early 2022 but had to cancel the ceremony amid Ardern’s stringent pandemic measures that successfully kept virus-related deaths low in the country.
Ardern, 43, emerged as a global symbol for left-leaning politics and women in leadership during her tenure as prime minister from 2017 to January last year. Known for her decisive “go hard, go early” approach to the pandemic, Ardern’s leadership gained international recognition. She notably attended a United Nations meeting with her daughter, becoming one of only two women to have a baby while serving as a national leader.
The wedding, held at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, featured the bride in a white halter-neck dress and the groom in a black suit. Approximately 50 to 75 guests attended the joyful occasion, including Ardern’s successor as prime minister, Chris Hipkins, and the current opposition leader.
Hawke’s Bay, known for its renowned wineries and horticultural significance, provided a picturesque backdrop for the celebration. Official photos captured the couple’s happiness on their special day.
In addition to her political legacy, Ardern has spent the past six months at Harvard University undertaking three fellowships. She remains involved in various international initiatives, serving as a trustee of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize and a special envoy for the Christchurch Call, a network aimed at combating terrorist and extremist content online.
The wedding culminated with Ardern’s final speech in parliament, where she expressed her eagerness to marry Gayford. The couple shares a five-year-old daughter, Neve.
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