Jacinda Ardern – ready for global diplomacy?

Jacinda Ardern is re-varnishing Norman Kirk’s brand — New Zealand as a progressive small state, with a deep internationalism central to our national identity. Her top challenge is the same one that Helen Clark faced when prime minister — not enough wise owls versed in global diplomacy among her ministers and officials. Ardern is all the way with the United Nations. To make climate change her global forte, the mid-April Commonwealth leaders’ gathering has to be the key moment. She will need to be fearless facing Canberra, particularly were Bill Shorten to become prime minister — he has no fraternal regard for New Zealand.