'You can be strong, you can be kind' - Jacinda Ardern talks leadership, President Trump on US television

September 25, 2018

Jacinda Ardern's style of leadership was a hot topic of conversation on American television overnight, as the New Zealand Prime Minister made an appearance on NBC's Today Show.

With Ms Ardern currently in New York for the United Nations' general assembly, the New Zealand Prime Minister's approach to politics has taken American audiences by storm, contrasting significantly with that of US President, Donald Trump.

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Questioned by hosts on the Today Show, Ms Ardern stated that she rejected the idea of a single successful style in how to run a country, insisting that there is a place for humility in positions of power.

"I don't think there's one rule book for leadership," the PM said.

The show is watching by millions, with the Prime Minister touching on parenthood and her appreciation of solo parents.

"I really rebel against this idea that politics has to be a place full of ego, where you're constantly focused on scoring hits against one another.

"Yes we need a robust democracy but you can be strong and you can be kind. We're building what I'd like to believe is a really compassionate government, one that's focused on lifting the wellbeing of our people but also doing well economically too."

Questioned about what would be said were she to meet President Trump face-to-face, the Prime Minister said she'd be happy to discuss what makes New Zealand so special.

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"I would just talk about New Zealand."

"I'd like to think that we're exemplars and we've got a record that we can be proud of. So I'd probably just talk about us."

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