Jacinda Ardern’s Documentary Highlights Humanity in Leadership

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is set to premiere her documentary, titled *Prime Minister*, in British cinemas this December. The film offers an intimate look into her life, highlighting the struggles and challenges of balancing public service with personal responsibilities. Captured through her husband’s phone, the footage portrays scenes of Ardern navigating motherhood and leadership, resonating with many working parents who face similar challenges.

The documentary is part of Ardern’s ongoing effort to humanize political leadership, emphasizing that politicians experience the same private pressures as their constituents. This theme is also central to her memoir, *A Different Kind of Power*, which reflects on her tenure as Prime Minister and responds to the increasing violence and abuse directed at public figures, suggesting that the act of being elected often leads to a loss of humanity in the public eye.

Reclaiming Humanity in Politics

Ardern’s push for a more compassionate view of leadership raises important questions about public expectations. While it is essential for leaders to be relatable, there is a concern that showcasing vulnerability might serve as a distraction from pressing political issues. For instance, both UK Labour leaders Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have recently attempted to connect with the public by sharing personal anecdotes. Starmer wrote an open letter to his son on International Men’s Day, while Reeves expressed frustration over being dismissed by male columnists discussing economic issues. These gestures, while relatable, may not resonate with those facing economic difficulties.

Critics of Ardern’s film argue that it glosses over her accomplishments in office, despite its warm reception at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won an audience award. In contrast, a recent report from New Zealand’s royal commission on pandemic management presents a more balanced view of her leadership. The report praises Ardern for her “be strong and be kind” strategy, which effectively managed COVID-19 by implementing early border closures. This approach allowed New Zealand to maintain relatively low infection rates and reduced the duration of strict lockdowns compared to other nations.

The Complex Reality of Leadership

While the report acknowledges the successes of Ardern’s administration, it also highlights the challenges and criticisms she faced. The strict quarantine measures, which kept non-citizens out for nearly two years, had significant social consequences. Families were separated, and foreign students were left stranded, leading to psychological distress for many. Similarly, the decision to mandate vaccinations for certain jobs and gatherings sparked backlash among some segments of the population, breeding resentment and distrust towards health authorities.

The contrast between Ardern’s leadership and that of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the pandemic is stark. While Johnson’s government faced severe criticism for its handling of the crisis, Ardern’s proactive approach garnered praise, suggesting that a different leadership style might have yielded better outcomes in the UK.

Ultimately, the documentary and the discussions surrounding it underscore a crucial aspect of leadership: the acknowledgment of human limitations. In times of crisis, the expectation that leaders possess superhuman abilities can lead to disillusionment. Ardern’s experiences reflect the reality that even the most well-intentioned leaders cannot always meet every expectation.

As the documentary approaches its release, it invites audiences to reflect on the nature of leadership and the shared vulnerabilities that connect politicians and the public. In a world where criticism often overshadows compassion, Ardern’s journey serves as a reminder that being human is not only acceptable but essential in the realm of public service.