Jacinda ardern

Photo: Getty
Yesterday, Jacinda Ardern concluded her term as New Zealand’s Prime Minister by delivering an emotional farewell speech in parliament. The politician—who became the world’s youngest female head of state at 37 when she assumed the position in 2017—has led the nation through unprecedented, if not turbulent, times. Ardern has not only dealt with the aftermaths of the country’s 2019 volcanic eruption on White Island, but she has also navigated a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020.
During the politician’s almost 40-minute speech, Ardern spoke of how, “I found myself in people’s lives during their most grief-stricken or traumatic moments. Their stories and faces remain etched in my mind, and likely will forever.” As she concluded her speech with tears, she said, “I cannot determine what will define my time in this place. But I do hope I have demonstrated something else entirely. That you can be anxious, sensitive, kind and wear your heart on your sleeve; You can be a mother, or not, an ex-Mormon, or not, a nerd, a crier, a hugger —you can be all of these things, and not only can you be here—you can lead.”
Ardern’s speech came with an equally poignant fashion choice. The politician chose to wear a traditional Maori cloak, a garment that tastefully paid homage to New Zealand’s rich Maori population. Called a korowai, the special-occasion cloaks are typically adorned with black tassels or feathers; They can take experienced weavers several months, and up to a year, to create. Typically gifted to people in respected or high positions, they represent honor, leadership, and prestige.
Photo: Getty Images
Ardern’s own off-the-shoulder cloak (likely a gift) was fully covered in feathers, a style that is often referred to as kākahu. Ardern has worn a korowai before during her time in office—notably, back in 2018 when Queen Elizabeth II visited her in New Zealand. It was a thoughtful choice of attire for the Prime Minister’s final goodbyes—a way to acknowledge the first peoples of the country that she has dutifully served.
Originally published on Vogue.com.
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