Which Labour Party leaders helped shape Jacinda Ardern’s early political career?

Several Labour Party figures played significant roles in shaping Jacinda Ardern’s early political career:

• Harry Duynhoven: At age 17, Ardern joined the Labour Party and assisted with the reelection campaign of Duynhoven, a Labour member of parliament (MP) in the New Plymouth district.1
• Phil Goff: Following her university graduation, Ardern worked as a researcher for Goff, a Labour MP.1
• Helen Clark: Ardern served on the staff of Prime Minister Helen Clark, whom Ardern regarded as her political hero and mentor.1
• David Shearer: Ardern supported Shearer during his successful bid for the Labour leadership, which earned her a high-profile assignment as the party's Social Development spokesperson.1
• Andrew Little: As Labour leader, Little expanded Ardern’s portfolio to include several key spokesperson roles, such as Arts, Culture, and Heritage, Children, Justice, and Small Business. Later, in 2017, Little stepped down as leader and secured Ardern’s pledge to stand as his replacement.12
• Annette King: When King resigned as Labour’s deputy leader, Ardern was unanimously elected to replace her.2