Ardern in Sydney: Former PM Begins Lectures in Public Health

Jacinda Ardern has started teaching at the University of Sydney.

The former New Zealand prime minister moved to Australia earlier this year and is now based in the university's school of public health. Her work will center on empathetic leadership, social cohesion, and civic trust. The university stated the role involves exploring global health challenges with a focus on equity, inclusion, and wellbeing. It is not a full-time teaching position. Ardern will host guest lectures and masterclasses and mentor students.

Ardern, her husband Clarke Gayford, and their daughter Neve purchased a home in Sydney's northern beaches for 5.3 million dollars. The family relocated to Australia before this month began. Ardern retired from politics in January 2023 after serving as prime minister for more than five years. She led New Zealand during the Christchurch terrorist attack, the Whakaari volcanic eruption, and the global pandemic.

In 2017, Ardern became the world's youngest-serving female leader at age 37. She later became the second world leader to give birth while in office. Since leaving office, she has held fellowships at Harvard University focused on public leadership and technology governance. She also published her memoir, A Different Kind of Power, in 2025.

University of Sydney vice-chancellor Mark Scott said he had long admired the courage and humanity Ardern brought to public life. He noted that Dame Jacinda led New Zealand through events of profound consequence. "Her leadership demonstrated that empathy and resolve do not compete with one another; each can strengthen the other," Scott said. He added that students would meet a thoughtful teacher with a great deal to share about public leadership and service.

Ardern said she was delighted to join the university. "I’ve found myself especially focused on the question of leadership since leaving office, and how we can better support and encourage the kind of leadership needed to tackle our many global challenges," she said. In a July interview with ABC Conversations, Ardern argued that people are seeking empathetic leadership despite many world leaders embodying a dominant style. She stated that research shows voters often choose fringe parties not for ideology, but to reject the status quo. "So I think all the signs actually point to people wanting something different than what they’re getting now," Ardern said.

The university confirmed Ardern's engagement includes mentoring and guest lectures. Her focus remains on addressing global health challenges through equity and inclusion. The role began this month.