Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is on maternity leave. Photo / File
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is on maternity leave. Photo / File
We asked Rotorua's politicians how they think the country will cope during the six weeks Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is on maternity leave.
Tamati Coffey.
Tamati Coffey, Labour, Waiariki MP
The first baby of New Zealand is uplifting Aotearoa and has done since it was first announced.
Jacinda has six weeks of being slightly less-visible, but still very much present. Plenty of Kiwis do extraordinary things for their children to make it all work. I just hope global media give Clarke, Jacinda and baby time to experience that "extraordinary" time as a whānau.
Winston Peters will be undoubtedly brilliant as acting Prime Minister. No one's more experienced in Kiwi politics. Winston knows the opposition's theatrics, how to communicate with everyday New Zealanders, and he knows this is business as usual for a strong and progressive Government.
Todd McClay.
Todd McClay, National, Rotorua MP
Congratulations to the Prime Minister and her partner on the birth of their first child. The next six weeks while rewarding for her personally, will continue to be worrying for the country.
New Zealanders are right to be concerned. NZ First are openly defiant of the PM and the deputy is suing his own Government. Business confidence has plummeted as the economy slows. The Government refuses to do any real work, instead farming it out to more than 100 working groups.
We'll continue to hold them to account no matter who's in charge because New Zealanders deserve better.
Fletcher Tabuteau.
Fletcher Tabuteau, NZ First, Rotorua-based list MP
The country will simply get on with it. The Government, the acting Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and Ministers, will continue to do as they have done, which is to do their best efforts by the people of this country.
This is an exciting time for New Zealand, and of course an exciting time for the Prime Minister and her partner. I've given Jacinda and Clarke, Rotorua's best wishes.
