Ardern calls deportation policy ‘unjust’
TJacinda Ardern
and the Leadership Forum in February. They discussed the work they wanted to do on behalf of small businesses and exporters and in particular, e-invoicing.
In February, both prime ministers announced a joint intention to adopt the Pan European Public Procurement Online framework for e-Invoicing, which would see the automated direct exchange of invoices between a buyer’s and a supplier’s finance systems.
Ardern and Morrison last met in Christchurch after the March 15 terror attack, where they had an awkward moment – she offered her hand and he went in for a hug.
The meeting with Morrison on Friday was also the first time they met since his re-election.
The opening ‘‘welcome’’ remarks focused on banter around the Black Caps World Cup defeat.
Morrison had supported the Kiwis and sent a text message of support to Ardern.
She enjoyed having the support of so many Australians in the final but wasn’t so sure if New Zealand would have done the same, if the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been left high and dry in Australia after the air force jet which was going to fly her home broke down.
Efforts were under way to sort technical problems, but it was understood the fix would take some time and Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford looked likely to book a commercial flight home. The couple did not bring baby Neve on the trip, leaving her with family in New Zealand.
Media have been told that technical issues were the cause, but no further details were given.
Earlier this week there were doubts about whether the plane would be able to take Ardern on her overnight trip to Melbourne.
It’s not the first time the planes have stranded politicians. In 2016, John Key was stranded in Townsville on his way to India, while a second plane had to be sent to pick up Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters from Vanuatu last month.
roles reversed, she said.
On a more serious note, Morrison said New Zealand was more than a friend, even closer than the Pacific family.
Ardern said she was grateful she could always pick up the phone to him.
When they met, they got straight down to business, she said.
‘‘Even Jenny and Clarke had to sit through us. We started ticking off things as soon as we saw each other.’’