NZ PM maternity leave

WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s (NZ) pregnant Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday revealed her government’s plans for running the country after she gives birth and takes six weeks maternity leave. Ardern, 37, said she will continue working as close as possible to her due date of June 17 and then hand over power to her deputy Winston Peters. As acting prime minister Peters will look after the day-to-day running of government, although Ardern said she will be consulted on significant issues. “I’ll still be receiving cabinet papers so I imagine it will be dialogue both ways,” she told reporters. “I may from time to time call the acting prime minister and he may at times chose to call me.” —AFP