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Early Life and Education:
Born in Hamilton, New Zealand. -
Began attending Morrinsville College, where she served as the student representative on the school's board of trustees.
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Graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Communication Studies in politics and public relations.
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Period: to
Early Political Career:
Worked as a researcher in the office of then-Prime Minister Helen Clark. -
Moved to London, serving as a senior policy adviser in the UK Cabinet Office under Prime Minister Tony Blair.
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Elected as President of the International Union of Socialist Youth.
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Parliamentary Roles:
Elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in New Zealand's general election. -
Won the Mount Albert by-election, becoming the MP for the electorate.
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Rise to Leadership:
Appointed Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. -
Unanimously elected as Leader of the Labour Party following Andrew Little's resignation.
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Prime ministership
Sworn in as the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand at age 37, making her the youngest female head of government at that time. -
Gave birth to her daughter, becoming the second elected head of government to give birth while in office.
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Guided New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing measures that resulted in one of the lowest death rates globally.
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Led the Labour Party to a landslide victory, securing an outright majority in Parliament.
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Post-Prime Ministership:
Announced her resignation, citing the need for personal time and reflection -
Honored with a damehood by Prince William at Windsor Castle for her services to the state.
