PM reveals plans for arrival of first baby

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern won’t hand over the country to acting prime minister Winston Peters until she arrives at hospital to give birth.

In a statement detailing Ardern’s post-pregnancy plans, it has also been confirmed that she is planning to give birth at Auckland Hospital, but there are contingency plans in case the baby comes when she is out of town.

Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford have also detailed how they will handle publicity around the birth – as they brace for a deluge of media interest.

The baby is due on June 17. Ardern will remain in charge of the country until the moment she arrives at hospital – after which NZ First leader Winston Peters will take over as acting prime minister. Ardern has said, however, that even from home she will be in regular contact with Peters and Cabinet.

Details released by Ardern’s office yesterday confirm that the couple will announce the birth first – likely via Instagram, which is how Ardern announced that she was pregnant.

An official statement will follow from the prime minister’s office.

Also in the statement:

Ardern and Gayford will not be giving any exclusive media interviews, or offering any exclusive photo opportunities, before Ardern’s return to work.

There will be an opportunity for media to take photos as they leave the hospital, and the prime minister will answer a small number of questions.

Due to the high level of interest, 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.