25 Sep 2018

PM's daughter makes global headlines with UN appearance

4:11 pm on 25 September 2018

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's daughter Neve has made international headlines with an appearance in the General Assembly at the United Nations today.

Clarke Gayford with his daughter Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford, as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks during the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit at the UN.

Clarke Gayford with his daughter Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford, as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks during the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit at the UN. Photo: AFP

Ms Ardern gave an address during the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit in the General Assembly, while her partner Clarke Gayford watched on with their three-month old baby.

Mr Gayford earlier tweeted a picture of Neve's specially made UN ID - labelling her New Zealand's first baby.

He also joked about giving the Japanese delegation a fright when they walked into a meeting room in the middle of a nappy change.

A spokeperson for the UN told media the United Nations was delighted to see Neve in the General Assembly hall, saying Ms Ardern was showing that no one was better qualified to represent her country than a working mother.

The spokesperson said just 5 percent of the world's leaders were women, so the United Nations needed to make them as welcome as possible.

Ms Ardern was playing down Neve's appearance on the world stage.

"It was a very practical decision [to take her in to the General Assembly], Neve is actually nearby me most of the time in New Zealand, she just not always caught [on camera] but here when she's awake we try and keep her with me, so obviously that was the occasion."

Global headlines:

* France 24: New Zealand PM brings baby to UN Assembly

* BBC: NZ PM's baby premieres among world leaders

* SBS: History-making New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern brings baby to UN assembly

* Singapore's Straits Times: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern brings theee month old baby to UN assembly

* Deutsche Welle: New Zealand's 'first baby' Neve Te Aroha goes to the UN

* The Guardian: Jacinda Ardern makes history with baby Neve at UN General Assembly

* Channelnewsasia: Among leaders making UN debut: A new mother with baby in tow

* News.com.au: Baby Neve watches mum New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern speak at the United Nations General Assembly

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