Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern embraced the Halloween spirit on Saturday afternoon, stepping out in Dee Why on Sydney’s northern beaches in an elaborate Day of the Dead-inspired costume.
The 46-year-old was joined by her husband, Clarke Gayford, as the couple committed fully to the Mexican-themed celebration.
Ardern was difficult to recognise beneath red, white and black face paint, completing the look with coordinating clothing and a red handbag.
Gayford wore a long white trench coat, grey jeans and black shoes, adding an eye-catching, psychedelic face mask to his costume.
Accompanied by a friend, the couple made their way swiftly to a waiting vehicle before leaving the area.
The outing came days after Ardern attracted attention for accepting a new position at a leading Australian university, where she will mentor students and teach about “empathetic leadership and social cohesion”.
She has been named a “professor of practice” at the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health and is due to begin the role this month.
“Her work will focus on empathetic leadership, social cohesion and civic trust; further developing new approaches to global and values-based leadership, as well as exploring new ways to address global health challenges centred on equity, inclusion and wellbeing,” the university said in a statement.
Jacinda Ardern fully embraced the Halloween spirit during Saturday’s outing
The former New Zealand prime minister channelled a Day of the Dead-inspired look
She paired red, white and black face paint with matching clothing
Ardern’s husband Clarke Gayford followed closely behind in his own costume
“She will engage with students, researchers and the wider university community through guest lectures, masterclasses and mentoring.”
The position is not a full-time teaching job. The university created it in 2019 to bring accomplished practitioners and public figures into academic life.
Ardern, who relocated to Sydney’s northern beaches earlier this year, led New Zealand through the Christchurch terrorist attacks, the Whakaari volcanic eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic.
She stepped down as prime minister and leader of the New Zealand Labour Party in January 2023.
“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,” Ardern said.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside the brilliant students, faculty and wider University of Sydney community, as we share experiences, explore and develop ways to better serve our communities, and help solve the issues facing so many today.”
Since leaving politics, Ardern has held fellowships at Harvard and Oxford universities and established an international initiative focused on promoting empathetic leadership.
University vice-chancellor Mark Scott said he had long respected the courage and humanity Ardern brought to public life.
Gayford chose a long white trench coat, grey jeans and black shoes…
…then completed the look with a striking psychedelic face mask
Ardern’s friend joined in with a colourful Halloween outfit
Ardern’s new university appointment will involve mentoring students and teaching about “empathetic leadership and social cohesion”
“Her leadership demonstrated that empathy and resolve do not compete with one another; each can strengthen the other,” he said.
Scott added that students would meet not only a former prime minister, but also a thoughtful educator with extensive insight into public leadership and service.
In April, Ardern spoke at a gender equality conference in Melbourne attended by delegates from 185 countries.
She also recently took part in the Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
