Q&A: Jacinda Ardern, MP (Labour)

Photo c/o parliament.nz

Three years ago I did a Q&A with Jacinda Ardern who was then the Labour List MP based in Auckland Central. March of this year, she was elected as MP for Mt. Albert, and as of yesterday she became the leader of the Labour Party replacing Andrew Little.  She just turned 37 last week.

This young, dynamic, positive and may I say very pretty woman, is still single, although she is romantically linked to her boyfriend who is a TV presenter.  In some of her photos, she has a very strong resemblance to Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette. They do have that same mysterious smile matched with tantalizing eyes. My observation is solely based on personally meeting Alanis twice and Jacinda once.

I met Jacinda at a media forum in Unitec.  The focus was on migrant media and she was the only politician who took time to attend.  As I listened and looked at her, I saw what the future of Aotearoa New Zealand should be.  She started as a Labour List MP in 2008 and from then on had many parliamentary roles in her portfolio: Law & Order, Arts, Culture & Heritage, Children, Corrections, Police, among many others.

I see her as one of the shining lights in Parliament.  She just might be the next Prime Minister of our country.  New Zealand's future is in good and safe hands with Jacinda in the House.

Q: What is your proudest achievement up to this moment?
A: I am proud to be a member of the Labour Party, but being elected to Parliament to represent a movement with such a long, proud history was a real honour.  I do still wish my Nana was alive to share the moment. She was a staunch Labour lady!

Q: Name 3 people, living or dead, you'll like to have dinner with.
A: Earnest Shackleton, the Antarctic explorer and one of my heroes!  His story of survival during the Endurance expedition is amazing and I would love to hear it in person.  Nelson Mandela.  I was lucky enough to meet him a few years ago. What an amazing man.  And finally, Wislawa Szymborska.  She is a Polish poet. She lived through World War Two, and went on to win the Nobel prize for Literature.  Her writing is amazing, but I would love to hear her stories in person!

Q: Are you a cat or dog person, and why?
A: I have always loved dogs but was never allowed one, so I grew up with cats and love them too.  Can I be both?  Right now, I would be a better cat owner than a dog owner.  I am never home!

Q: Where in NZ is the place you can call as your sanctuary?
A: Morrinsville.  It's where I grew up and my mum and dad still have a home there.  It's a lovely quiet place to go and recharge, and see my mum!

Q: Something not many people know about you.
A: The first thing I ever learned to drive was a bright red Massey Ferguson tractor.  Which I crashed.

Q: If you could travel back in time, where and when would it be?
A: Can I have two?  The 60's and 70's to witness Beatlemania, and the era of the first Labour government.  savage is every Labour MP's hero, and I love the legacy that government left behind.

Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: To be a good MP, daughter and friend.

There you have have it ladies and gentlemen, our very own Jacinda Ardern MP "Standing up not only for Auckland Central but more for New Zealand."