Now less than two weeks away, the first child of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford, is due on June 17.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office released details of arrangements around the birth of the couple’s baby.
In similar fashion to the recent royal reveal of Prince Louis, the New Zealand first couple will personally announce the birth, followed by a formal announcement from the Prime Minister’s office. Should all go to plan, Jacinda Ardern is expected to have the baby at Auckland Hospital. Although, the statement went on to say that there are contingency plans in place for the birth in the event the Prime Minister is not in Auckland. But be sure to check the Prime Minister’s Instagram page for possible cute baby pictures after the birth.
The Beehive said in a statement that while the couple is happy to share with the public some moments with their new baby, they have asked that media respect the family’s privacy in the weeks set aside to be together after the birth, and during private family moments.
The couple has said that they will not be giving any exclusive media interviews, or offering any exclusive photo opportunities, prior to Jacinda Ardern’s return to work. The Prime Minister is expected to be out of office for at least six weeks. At the point that she arrives at the hospital to have the baby, Acting Prime Minister responsibilities will begin for Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.
Well-wishers will, however, have the opportunity for photos as the couple leave the hospital. The Prime Minister will answer a small number of questions, the statement says. The Prime Minister will also give one round of interviews to major domestic media outlets close to the time she returns to work. This will be the only formal media opportunity in relation to the new baby.
