Jacinda Ardern has announced she will not be seeking re-election.
She will resign no later than February 7th, before the election, and take effect on the appointment of a new Prime Minister.
Ardern made the announcement at the Labour Party’s caucus retreat on Thursday in Napier.
She tearfully told the media that after giving it her all, she doesn’t have anything left in the tank to see through another term.
“Being Prime Minister has been the greatest honour of my life and I want to thank New Zealanders for the enormous privilege of leading the country for the last five and a half years,” Ardern said.
“With holding such a privileged role comes responsibility, including the responsibility to know when you’re the right person to lead, and also when you’re not."
The Labour Party have confirmed a caucus vote to elect a new Party Leader, which will occur in three days’ time on Sunday January 22.
In a statement from Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, he will not be putting himself forward to be a candidate for the leadership of the Labour Party.
"In 2014 when I failed to secure the leadership of the Party for the second time I indicated that I would not put myself forward again. My position has not changed," he wrote.
The date for the General election has also been revealed and will be held on Saturday October 14th.
Head to TodayFM.co.nz as more info unfolds.
