Jacinda Ardern receives international praise on ‘New Zealand’s darkest day’
It is now known as “New Zealand’s darkest day” but for Kiwis struggling to comprehend the horrific shootings in Christchurch there has a been a small glimmer of hope: the inspiring leadership of Jacinda Ardern.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister has received international praise for her resolve and compassion as the country mourns the death of 50 people outside two mosques in the country’s south island.
Ms Ardern’s visit with Muslim community members on Saturday “struck all the right notes” according to Reuters.
“A day after the attack, Ardern led a multi-party group to visit grieving families and Muslim community members,” John Mair and Praveen Menon wrote.
“Wearing a black head scarf, she hugged relatives and let them set the pace and agenda as she listened and offered comfort.”
Across the Pacific, The New York Times wrote than Ms Ardern’s “vision of kindness in politics tested by the worst mass murder in her country’s modern history”.
Her condemnation of the shooter “echoed across New Zealand”, wrote Charlotte Graham-McLay
“In a country of less than five million people, prized for its safety and natural beauty, people had the same refrain: Things like this do not happen here.”
Here in Perth, journalist John Flint said Ms Ardern was “a pillar of strength”.
“Whether it was at her media conference in the immediate aftermath of the Christchurch mosque massacre on Friday or comforting the devastated Muslim community in the shaken city yesterday, the 38-year-old leader has displayed the right balance of strength and compassion in the aftermath of the atrocity that killed 49 and injured 39 more,” he wrote.
Writing for news.com.au, Chris Urqhart said the NZ PM was the type of leader Australia desperately needs.
“Where other leaders have baulked at immediately showing their hand, offering only epithets, or thoughts and prayers, she had resolve. Where others might fear the political consequences of acting, she feared the human consequences of failing to act.”
Praise on social media was equally effusive.
US Senate candidate Qasim Rashid was impressed by Ms Ardern wearing a hijab when grieving with NZ Muslims.
“What a powerful example of compassion and leadership. May she & her nation prosper in love & peace,” he wrote on Twitter.
Australian TV host Osher Gunsberg also compared Ms Ardern to local politicians.
“Australia has an election in a few months. Please, please give us someone like Jacinda Ardern to vote for. Please.” he wrote.
Belgian-Egyptian journalist Khaled Diab wanted NZ to export Ms Ardern’s compassion to other countries.
“Too bad that leaders cannot be imported. Jacinda Ardern is sorely needed in other parts of the world. New Zealand should consider lending her out,” he wrote.
