Jacinda Ardern shares flowers with maternity ward
With gifts and congratulations arriving from around the world after the birth of her first child, New Zealand’s prime minister has been sharing her flowers with her maternity ward.
As Jacinda Ardern continues her recovery following the arrival of her daughter on Thursday, well wishes from other world leaders have continued to pour in.
On Saturday, the 37-year-old’s office confirmed she had been overwhelmed by flowers sent on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
“The flowers were an incredibly generous gift, but are unfortunately too big to fit into her room,” a spokesperson said.
“As such she chosen to share them with all the mothers and families on the maternity ward floor by putting them on the reception.”
Meanwhile, congratulations had also arrived from Japan’s prime minister and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Other world leaders to send their regards since the birth have included the Queen, UK prime minister Theresa May, Malcolm Turnbull, and Justin Trudeau of Canada.
New Zealand’s first family are now expected to make their first public appearance on Sunday morning, when they depart hospital and head home for time out of the spotlight.
Reporters have been gathering at the public Auckland Hospital since Ms Ardern arrived there on Thursday morning, driven by partner Clarke Gayford.
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Her staff have been keeping media informed about the baby’s progress.
There hasn’t yet been any word on the baby’s name.
Ms Ardern has become the first elected world leader to take maternity leave and for the next six weeks will only be consulting on major issues while her deputy, Winston Peters, handles day-to-day matters.
