New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is pregnant with her first child.
Ms Ardern made the announcement on Facebook, saying she is expecting a child with her partner, television host Clarke Gayford.
‘And we thought 2017 was a big year!,’ she said.
‘Clarke and I are really excited that in June our team will expand from two to three, and that we’ll be joining the many parents out there who wear two hats.
Ms Ardern made the announcement on Facebook, saying she is expecting a child with her partner television host Clarke Gayford (both pictured)
In an official statement, Ms Ardern said both she and Mr Gayford were ‘really happy’
She posted a photo of two fishing hooks, with a smaller hook inside one of them
‘I’ll be Prime Minister and a mum, and Clarke will be ”first man of fishing” and stay-at-home dad.’
She posted a photo of two fishing hooks, with a smaller hook inside one of them.
Mr Gayford hosts a fishing television show and often posts photos of himself out on the water to social media.
‘I think it’s fair to say that this will be a wee one that a village will raise, but we couldn’t be more excited,’ Ms Ardern said.
‘I know there will be lots of questions, and we’ll answer all of them (I can assure you we have a plan all ready to go!).’
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters will take over for Ms Ardern for six weeks after the baby is born.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters will take over for Ms Ardern for six weeks after the baby is born
In an official statement, Ms Ardern said both she and Mr Gayford were ‘really happy’.
‘We wanted a family but weren’t sure it would happen for us, which has made this news unexpected but exciting.’
‘As is the case when I am overseas, Mr Peters will act as Prime Minister, working with my office while staying in touch with me.
Ms Ardern (pictured with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull) was confirmed as New Zealand’s Prime Minister in October, a month after the country’s election on September 23
‘I fully intend to be contactable and available throughout the six-week period when needed,’ she said.
‘At the end of my leave I will resume all Prime Ministerial duties.’
Ms Ardern was confirmed as New Zealand’s Prime Minister in October, a month after the country’s election on September 23.