Why did Jacinda Ardern resign as prime minister in January 2023?

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Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation as prime minister of New Zealand on January 19, 2023, effective February 7, 2023.1

Her decision was primarily driven by personal exhaustion following the intense demands of her leadership. In her announcement, Ardern explained that she no longer had enough "in the tank" to perform the role to the standard it required, emphasizing that one should not hold such a privileged and challenging position without having a "full tank".1

While her tenure was marked by significant international acclaim, her final years in office were characterized by mounting domestic challenges. These included navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, managing rising cost of living concerns, and facing a surge in vitriolic public backlash, including an increase in threats against her life. These cumulative pressures took a toll on both her political popularity and her personal well-being.1