NZ PM Jacinda Ardern Named 'Pacific Person of the Year'

Wellington, NEW ZEALAND — New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been named 'Pacific Person of the Year' by regional publication Islands Business magazine. It is only the second time the title has been given to a person of non-Pacific heritage, with former Australian Prime Minister John Howard being a previous recipient of the honor.

The magazine's editor Samisoni Pareti said each year his publication attempted to look at the person, people or organizations that had made an impact on the Pacific. He said Ardern was given the 2019 title because of her work at the Pacific Islands Forum to bring consensus around the issue of climate change.

"It was prime minister Ardern's skills at negotiation, diplomacy and her charisma... that saved the day for Pacific Island countries, Pacific Island leaders.

"She got, particularly her counterpart across the Tasman Sea, Scott Morrison, to come to a middle ground when it comes to a climate change position."