Nick Kelly’s email to Jacinda Ardern

Written By: - Date published: 6:53 am, January 20th, 2023 - 6 comments
Categories: Andrew Little, election 2017, election 2020, jacinda ardern, labour, news - Tags: , , , ,

Dear Jacinda

You probably will not remember me. I was the campaign manager for Andrew Little when he ran for Labour Leader back in 2014. The last time we met was in Burger Fuel on Cuba Street the day after you took over as Labour Leader in 2017. I was with my colleague from Piko and we were both covered in paint after doing work at our Trades Hall office. We certainly weren’t expecting to meet the future Prime Minister that evening.

I am emailing to say thank you for all that you have done, both in New Zealand and internationally since becoming Prime Minister. I now work as a Researcher in Westminster and I can say that you have earned the respect and admiration of politicians from all sides of the political divide over here in the last five years.

In particular, I wish to acknowledge the strong compassionate leadership you took after the Christchurch Mosque attack. Your simple statement “they are us” regarding Muslims living in Aotearoa had a profound impact and broke down barriers of hate and ignorance at a time when tensions were so high. I still tear up thinking about how important your showing humanity and compassion was at that dark time. Thank you.

Your government’s response to the coronavirus in 2020 was the right one and undoubtedly saved thousands of lives. Again, having lived through the UK response to this crisis, I and many others living here looked to the NZ response with considerable admiration.

The last couple of years has been difficult for governments throughout the world. The Ukraine invasion on the back of a global pandemic has seen inflation skyrocket everywhere. People understandably look to their elected representatives in difficult economic times and we know that the actions of the government can help or hinder economic recovery. But there is also much that is out of the hands of the nation-state. Where governments can have the most impact is on policies that help in the medium to long term. In the short term, options are quite limited and it is easy for our leaders to take the blame for things that are largely out of their control. The New Zealand government has managed this crisis better than many in the last 18 months. In years to come I hope this is recognised.

Your legacy as Prime Minister will be as someone who showed both strength and compassion in some of the most challenging times faced by any leader in modern times. On the world stage, you are rightly held up as a model of progressive political leadership, and I am certain this will continue into the future in whatever role you take on next.

Finally on a personal note, due to the coronavirus, I was only able to spend two weeks in Aotearoa during your time as Prime Minister. But as a Kiwi in London, I was proud of your leadership both of our party and of the country.

I wish you all the best for whatever comes next.

Kia Kaha me te pai katoa,

Nick Kelly

6 comments on “Nick Kelly’s email to Jacinda Ardern ”

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  1. Patricia Bremner 1
    20 January 2023 at 9:57 am

    Thank you Nick for expressing what many of us are too emotional to do easily.

    I met and admired her in Rotorua when she was supporting Andrew Little.

    I was reflecting that respect and admiration for her sterling qualities is universal, ( with a caveat for the misinformed and the self interested.)

    Perhaps we wanted too much after Key, as world events caused such social upheaval that divisions have been aggravated and positions polarised, aided by the internet's instant reach, it is not surprising that five years felt more like ten.

    As we speak of "before covid" and "after covid", we may speak of "before Jacinda Ardern" and after "Jacinda Ardern".

    My fervent hope will be that we regroup with speed, keep the best of her time in office and build on it with a new Leadership team.

    An even more progressive programme may be possible, and give greater contrast to Act's destructive choices.
    Labour keep hope alive and support.yes

    The progressive choice would be Michael Woods or Chris Hipkins and Kiri Allen, but we need to rally round whoever they choose. NZ does not need austerity and cost cutting.

    • Tony Veitch 1.1
      20 January 2023 at 10:32 am

      Like many on the left, Patricia, I was somewhat disappointed by the Labour government.

      I accept they were hamstrung by Winston in their first term, and that they have put forward some really necessary reforms in their second term, like Three Waters and the health system shakeup, but I would have liked them to tackle inequality head-on by taxing the rich more.

      Having said all that, I am grateful we had Jacinda at the helm during the many crises of her 5 years. It needs to be said, over and over again, Labour on a bad day is infinitely better than the Natz, and light years ahead of the abomination of Seymour et al.

  2. mickysavage 2
    20 January 2023 at 9:59 am

    Well said Nick.

  3. left for dead 3
    20 January 2023 at 3:21 pm

    Nicely put Nick,regards Alex Mac….

  4. David Greenwood 4
    22 January 2023 at 9:55 pm

    Well said Nick. as two Brits, stranded in New Zealand for 16 months and visitors for many years we have the greatest admiration for Jacinda's leadership, communication ability and compassion. We will long remember her reaction to Christmas, "they are us" was cohesive and encompassing and doubtless cooled angry hearts. Jacinda put New Zesaland on the international map like no other Prime Minister of this country. She gave her all and every New Zealander should be proud of her.