Jacinda Ardern Celebrates Halloween in Sydney Ahead of University Role

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her husband, Clarke Gayford, were seen celebrating Halloween in Sydney, Australia, adopting a Mexican Day of the Dead theme. Ardern, 46, was observed with face paint and attire matching the theme, while Gayford also donned a costume. The couple were accompanied by a friend during their outing in Dee Why.

The appearance comes shortly after Ardern accepted a new academic role at the University of Sydney. She has been appointed as a 'professor of practice' at the university's School of Public Health, where she will mentor students and teach about "empathetic leadership and social cohesion." The university stated that her work will focus on developing new approaches to global and values-based leadership, as well as exploring solutions for global health challenges with an emphasis on equity, inclusion, and wellbeing.

This position is not a full-time teaching role and is designed to bring experienced practitioners into academic life. Ardern, who relocated to Sydney's northern beaches earlier this year, previously led New Zealand through significant events including the Christchurch terrorist attacks, the Whakaari volcanic eruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She stepped down as Prime Minister and leader of the New Zealand Labour Party in January 2023.

Ardern has expressed that since leaving office, she has focused on leadership and how to better support the kind of leadership needed to address global challenges. She has also held fellowships at Harvard and Oxford universities and founded an international program focused on empathetic leadership. University vice-chancellor Mark Scott noted Ardern's courage and humanity in public life, stating that her leadership demonstrated the strength found when empathy and resolve work together.