Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has settled in Australia with her family after years of living abroad, marking a significant shift in her post-political life. A spokesperson confirmed that Ardern and her husband, television presenter Clarke Gayford, along with their young daughter Neve, are now based in Australia, where they will spend more time working and stay closer to New Zealand.
Ardern served as prime minister from 2017 until her resignation in January 2023, becoming globally recognised for her empathetic leadership during crises such as the Christchurch mosque shootings and the Covid-19 pandemic. After stepping down, she spent time living in the United States, where she worked with Harvard University and continued advocacy on global issues.
Decision to Move Across the Tasman
According to her office, the family has been travelling for “a few years now”, and they are now choosing to base themselves out of Australia because they have work commitments there and it also gives them more time back home in New Zealand. While exact details of her new professional roles in Australia have not been fully disclosed, media reports say Ardern has been exploring opportunities that align with her ongoing work in public leadership and global policy.
Ardern, 45, and Gayford were spotted inspecting properties in Sydney’s northern beaches suburbs such as Curl Curl and Freshwater, continuing speculation that they may soon make the city their long-term home. Local real estate data shows that median house prices in these areas are among Sydney’s higher-end markets, reflecting their choice of lifestyle location.
New Zealand’s Emigration Trends
Ardern’s relocation has drawn attention because it comes amid a larger trend of New Zealand citizens moving to Australia. Recent statistics revealed that tens of thousands of Kiwis have made the move, attracted by higher wages, broader employment opportunities and closer proximity to New Zealand. A growing share of New Zealanders now live in Australia, with estimates showing that more than 60 percent of migrants from New Zealand relocate there in recent years.
The move has sparked public discussion in New Zealand about the economic and social factors pushing citizens abroad. Commentators point to a combination of slow economic growth, housing affordability issues and cost of living pressures that have made Australia an appealing destination for professionals, families and young workers alike.
Ardern’s Legacy and Continued Influence
Ardern’s decision to reside outside her home country does not diminish her global stature. After leaving political office, she continued her work on the Christchurch Call initiative, a global effort she championed to combat online extremism. She also joined the Earthshot Prize board of trustees and pursued academic and leadership fellowship roles, including at top institutions like Harvard Kennedy School and Oxford University.
In 2025, Ardern published a memoir titled “A Different Kind of Power”, offering her perspectives on leadership, governance, and the challenges she faced while in office. The book was widely discussed in political and literary circles and reflected her broader influence on international leadership discourse.
Despite the mixed reactions to her policies at home, Ardern remains a prominent figure on the global stage. Her move to Australia represents a new chapter in her post-premiership life, combining family priorities, ongoing work engagements and continued engagement in international affairs.
