21 Jan 2018

Twitter reacts to Ardern baby news: 'Such a great role model'

6:16 am on 21 January 2018

Social media users and politicians have congratulated the Prime Minister, with many of them saying that it is "wonderful news for Jacinda Ardern, women and New Zealand".

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she is pregnant.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she is pregnant. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Ms Ardern, who became Prime Minister in October, announced this morning, via Instagram, that she and partner Clarke Gayford were expecting a baby in June.

Former prime minister Helen Clark was among the first of many to congratulate Jacinda Ardern on her pregnancy.

[ https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/348447/live-ardern-and-gayford-baby-news-a-happy-surprise Follow our live blog of the reaction and latest developments here.]

Ms Clark said via a tweet it was going to be a "super busy year" with "much to look forward to".

"Every #woman should have the choice of combining family & career."

She was just one of many politicians to congratulate the Prime Minister.

Many others were also happy and emotional about the news, and the message this sends to working women and mothers in NZ.

Some were busy figuring out the math for the time of conception.

Others were pre-empting negative comments, and asking that we just enjoy the moment.

There's already a poll as to which last name the baby should take (Ardern currently in the lead)

And name suggestions are already coming in too.