Jacinda Ardern honored as a dame for leading New Zealand through Covid

Jacinda Ardern delivers her closing speech to the New Zealand Parliament in April. Photo: Mark Mitchell/New Zealand Herald

Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, has been made a Dame for leading the country during the Covid pandemic.

The New Zealand government has announced it will reward Mrs. Ardern, who became the Lady's Grand Companion, the country's second highest honor to commemorate the King's official birthday.

New Zealand immediately closed its borders. pandemic, cutting off the islands from the rest of the world and imposing a series of strict restrictions.

Ms Ardern was initially praised for her tough response to the virus outbreak, but later faced criticism for her policies hurting tourism. education and other sectors of the economy dependent on visitors and workers from overseas.

She has also come under fire for a strict government quarantine system that has made it difficult for New Zealanders to return home from overseas.

Chris Hipkins, the prime minister who replaced Ms Ardern earlier this year, said she was recognized for her leadership during the pandemic and the terrorist attacks in Christchurch, calling them «among the biggest challenges our country has faced in our times.”

“I have seen firsthand that her commitment to New Zealand remains absolute,” said Mr. Hipkins.

Ms Ardern, who said she «didn't have enough in the tank» to run for re-election when she resigned in January, was appointed trustee of Prince William's Earthshot Prize in April.

«On Two Minds»

The former prime minister said she was «in two minds» about whether to accept the award.

«A lot of what we've been through as a nation over the past five years has affected us all, and more than one person,” she said.

The new title is the second time this year that Ms. Ardern has been recognized as royalty, and the king personally approves ladies’ titles.

In addition to being a former prime minister, the queen has been named an additional member of the royal family. The Order of New Zealand is an award previously given to Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth.

The Queen supported her husband's relationship with Auckland and worked with local charities «supporting migrant women, young mothers and literacy programs.» ,» the New Zealand government said on Monday.

In the three times she has visited the islands with her husband, the last visit was in 2019, when members of the royal family met with families affected by the Christchurch massacre, The queen has supported the work of the Arohata Women's Prison, the Wellington Society for the Protection of Animals and the Protection of Battered Women, among other charities.

“She has contributed to the well-being of senior citizens…by participating in several such programs in Christchurch, including Senior Chef, where she launched a cookbook for the elderly living alone,” the government said in a statement.