Worlds away in today’s New Zealand is a picture of normality. Packed stadium’s, the Lemon and Paeroa is flowing and there isn’t a mask in sight- and geography isn’t the only thing distancing New Zealand from the rest of us.
Historically, in times of adversity (such as a global pandemic) citizens turn to a guiding figure, those who appear to be in a state of calm and collect when they feel in disarray. Unfortunately for many, this trust in leadership has proven to be blind, with some of the highest coronavirus death cases in countries such as the US reaching nearly 500,000.
Under Jacinda Ardern, her starkly different approach in leadership was initially coined as ‘the strictest measures in the world’ for which she would ‘make no apologies’, however, time has only confirmed the sentiment that hard work pays off – one only has to google music festivals NZ to see the haven of a lifestyle that her citizens now lead.
Jacinda Ardern
Jacinda Ardern has fast become one of the worlds biggest role models since her election in October 2017. Prime Minister, Mother and advocate of the motto ‘be strong, be kind;’ this not only epitomises her empathetic leadership style, but also reflects her childhood days which led to her entire belief system.
Raised as a Mormon in the city of Hamilton, she was met with the reality of poverty within these towns on a daily basis. Whilst experiencing a comfortable lifestyle herself, (her mum previously working at a service station and her dad a policeman,) her exposure to these injustices was enough for her to disagree with the notion that extreme poverty could exist in a world of millionaires and billionaires. By 17 she was a labour party supporter.
During her leadership thus far as Prime Minister, Covid-19 is by no means the only difficulty she has faced. In 2019, the Christchurch mosque attacks which left 51 people dead was a shocking tragedy that undeniably required great sensitivity. Her immediate reaction in her refusal to name the terrorists was moving in her statement that “you may have chosen us, but we utterly reject and condemn you.” However, what deserves real praise was her ensuing action to validate the beliefs that got her elected in the first place.
By changing the country’s gun laws, banning the sale of all semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles, this led to worldwide debate spotlighting the US particularly. If Ardern was able to change these laws within days of the attack, how many will it take for the US government to follow suit?
Covid-19 under Jacinda Ardern
According to the BBC, New Zealand’s key to success was their ‘early lockdown and aims of elimination.’ By mid-March Ms Arden had closed almost all borders to non-citizens or residents, and shortly after a nationwide lockdown was introduced which stayed in strict place for 5 weeks.
Despite only recording 102 cases at this point and no deaths, Ardern felt it was necessary to impose such regulations. Not only did her ambitions lie in getting life back to normal as quickly as possible but as she later stated in an interview, her ambition was equally matched by the fear that the health system simply wouldn’t be able to cope.
Whilst there were bumps along the way, with the resignation of the health minister when cases began to rise without explanation, New Zealand’s overall navigation of the situation has counted them amongst the most successful in the world, now having eliminated the virus bar those currently in quarantine.
Economic consequences
Although their response to the coronavirus was commended, it hasn’t come without consequences. New Zealand has gone into recession for the first time since the global financial crisis due to the measures that they imposed.
Taking a complete 180 turn from what Finance Minister Grant Robertson predicted for the economy in 2020, according to the conversation he has been forced to abandon a conservative net public debt target of 20% of GDP. Debt is now projected to rise to 53.6% by 2023, as the government borrows to invest in jobs and runs deficits until at least 2024.’
Whilst many other countries have taken a different attitude to the situation, trying to keep non-essential sectors open to somewhat maintain a healthy economy, this has undoubtedly been at the cost of people’s lives. Therefore, Ardern has publicly expressed her confidence that the initial sacrifice and hit to the economy will enable better recovery prospects.
This is a crucial point for Ardern due to a series of factors. Her glittering international reputation indeed is a testament to her successes, however, equally shows a somewhat distorted and worrying standard for leadership amongst the rest of the world. Jacinda Ardern has simply been getting it right, as should every other leader in the world and by extension, many New Zealanders, accustomed to such governments are sceptical of how she will handle the ensuing economy. It is important to note, that this also comes after their criticism of her lack of focus regarding child poverty, a prevalent issue in New Zealand.
Recovery in all aspects for individuals and hospitality sectors alike is no small feat and will certainly prove an uphill battle in the wake of coronavirus and the resulting restrictions, however, if a coronavirus free life is anything to go by, Jacinda Ardern’s approach must make us question the degree we hold our governments to.
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