Jacinda Ardern: Leading with Empathy, Budgeting for Well-being

When Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017, she brought a clear, unapologetic emphasis on empathy. She reimagined what leadership could look like in the 21st century.

In 2019, Ardern’s government introduced the world’s first “Wellbeing Budget.” Instead of measuring national success by GDP alone, the budget prioritized mental health, child poverty reduction, Indigenous (Māori) development, and climate action. It was a strong attempt to build policy around human needs, not just economic numbers.

The budget invested $1.9 billion into mental health services, established initiatives to lift children out of poverty, and increased funding for Māori communities to address deep-rooted inequities. 

Ardern also achieved near gender parity in her Cabinet, bringing more women and Māori voices into top decision-making roles. And under her leadership, New Zealand secured pay equity for thousands of workers in female-dominated professions, such as education and healthcare, correcting decades of undervaluation.

Ardern became globally admired for her steady hand in crises: a unifying response to the Christchurch mosque attacks, swift action during COVID-19, and bold climate policies. What truly set her apart was her belief that kindness is a strength.

What happens when women lead?

In New Zealand, the economy made room for humanity, equity became law, and leadership spoke with clarity and compassion.