NZ’S ‘FIRST BABY’ ON BOARD IN BIG APPLE

NEW Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s baby daughter has made a splash at the United Nations, sitting in on a meeting with her mother.

Ms Ardern is among world leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York this week and has had daughter Neve, born in June, in tow.

While the prime minister spoke at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit yesterday, Neve got a front-row seat on father Clarke Gayford’s lap, catching the eye of cameras.

Having become the second woman to give birth in elected office – and the first to take maternity leave – earlier this year, 38-year-old Ms Ardern has drawn the attention of global media during the visit.

It marks the first time a female leader has brought an infant along to a general assembly meeting.

Meanwhile, Mr Gayford – now a full-time dad travelling with the prime minister – on social media posted photos of a mock ID card that had been made up for Neve by staff at the UN, listing her title as “first baby” of New Zealand.

He also had a story to tell about Neve’s first diplomatic incident.

“I wish I could have captured the startled look on a Japanese delegation inside UN yesterday, who walked into a meeting room in the middle of a nappy change,” he said.

“Great yarn for her 21st [birthday].”