Clarke Gayford and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Norrie Montgomery
Clarke Gayford and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Norrie Montgomery
Bay of Plenty politicians from both sides of the aisle have congratulated Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner, Clarke Gayford, on the arrival of their healthy baby girl.
Ardern said on Facebook that the baby arrived at 4.45pm at Auckland City Hospital, weighing 3.31kg (7.3lb).
"Thank you so much for your best wishes and your kindness."
Among the wellwishes from the Bay were reflections on the experience of having children, wishes the family would have privacy, and Tauranga's mayor's recommendation of Mount Maunganui for the first family's first holiday as a trio.
Welcome to our village wee one.
Feeling very lucky to have a healthy baby girl that arrived at 4.45pm weighing 3.31kg...
Natalie and I are delighted for Jacinda and Clarke on the arrival of their healthy baby girl. Being parents is a joy and a privilege and we are sure your new arrival will fill your lives with all the happiness that our children have ours.
Simon Bridges (left) and Todd Muller. Photo / George Novak
Jan Tinetti, Tauranga-based MP, Labour
Congratulations to Jacinda and Clarke on the birth of their beautiful baby. What an absolute blessing! I hope they can take time now to enjoy their little one in these important first few weeks. I'm really looking forward to welcoming bubs to Caucus for lots of cuddles.
Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless. Photo / George Novak
Please accept Tauranga's best wishes on the birth of your baby. It must be a great thrill to bring a new life into the world. We'd love to welcome your family to a Tauranga holiday at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand's best holiday destination. Baby can explore the sand, Clarke can enjoy fishing and you can have a much needed relaxing soak in our hot salt water pools.
Jan Tinetti and Angie Warren-Clark. Photo / Andrew Warner
Angie Warren-Clark, Bay of Plenty-based MP, Labour
I am absolutely delighted to congratulate Jacinda and Clarke on their first child. A new baby is a time of great joy and such a special family time. A first baby is incredibly special and will change their world in absolutely wonderful ways. I wish them all the best, to be kind to themselves and have suggested they have a "babymoon" which is where they shut out the world and enjoy their wee miracle as first-time parents. Big hugs for their new little family.
Todd Muller, Bay of Plenty MP, National
For those of us with children, we never forget the moment our first child is held in our arms. For Michelle and I, it was a mix of awe, indescribable love and a sense of being very unprepared for what comes next. I wish Jacinda and Clarke all the very best on their journey, may it be full of love and privacy.
Tamati Coffey. Photo / George Novak
Tamati Coffey, Waiariki MP, Labour
He rā whakahirahira tēnei. Off the back of the tangi of one of our kapa haka superstars, Talei Morrison, this day is a reminder that with death, comes life. We are all incredibly exciting for all Kiwis and both myself and the wider Labour Māori Caucus look forward to welcoming 'te mokopuna o te motu'. Nau mai Pēpi ki te ao marama.
Clayton Mitchell. Photo / George Novak
Clayton Mitchell, Tauranga-based MP, New Zealand First
I'm excited, like the rest of New Zealand to hear the great news from the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford of their newborn baby. It does not matter if it's a boy or a girl just as long as it is healthy and much loved which I am sure it will be. Wishing them all the best from myself and the New Zealand First Caucus.
Having a child is a life-changing experience. I can remember when Nadene and I had the first of our four children and the profound changes it brought to our lives. I congratulate the Prime Minister and wish her and her partner the very best for the days ahead.
Garry Webber. Photo / Andrew Warner
Garry Webber, Western Bay of Plenty Mayor
I wish her all the best. Hopefully, they are all well and fighting fit and ready to face the world - more so for her than for the little one. For a Prime Minister, it is a pretty big thing to do while in the chair trying to run the country.
