Jacinda Ardern

He said this today (Tuesday, January 24, 2023) after PM Ardern announced last Thursday (January 19, 2023) that she would resign as New Zealand Labour leader and prime minister by February 7, 2023, pending a leadership election.

“Prime Minister Ardern was one the first world leaders I met, in February 2020, on one of my first official overseas engagements to New Zealand as Prime Minister,” Marape said.

“We have also met at the United Nations General Assembly in 2021 and 2022 in New York City, Pacific Islands Forum in Suva in 2022 and APEC in 2022 in Bangkok.

The 40-year-old PM said this is the first time in APEC’s history that leaders have held an additional meeting at Leaders’ level, and it reflects their desire to navigate together out of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis.

“APEC economies have suffered their biggest contraction since the Second World War over the past year, with 81 million jobs lost. Responding collectively is vital to accelerate the economic recovery for the region,” she stated.

It is only the second time the title has been given to a person of non-Pacific heritage, with former Australian Prime Minister John Howard being a previous recipient of the honour.

The magazine's editor Samisoni Pareti said each year his publication attempted to look at the person, people or organisations that had made an impact on the Pacific.

Mr Pareti said Ms Ardern was given the 2019 title because of her work at the Pacific Islands Forum to bring consensus around the issue of climate change.

"Kia ora @jacindaardern!," she wrote.

"It's been a big year for you & [New Zealand] - congrats!"

The 'Diamonds' singer told Ardern her year could "get even better" if she pledged funds to the Global Partnership for Education.

"I hope you & @MFATgovtNZ agree that educating every child can change the world!" she added.

The organisation is working alongside Rihanna's own charity, the Clara Lionel foundation, to provide education for children in poor countries around the world.

"Mr English has already called me this evening and acknowledged that for the national party negotiations have now concluded," Ms Ardern said.

At a long-awaited press conference at the Beehive Theatrette earlier this evening, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters announced the party had decided to go with Labour.

Labour has 46 seats, which together with the Green's eight and New Zealand First's nine, gives them 63 seats in the house, and a majority of seven over National.