Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern embraced the Halloween festivities in Dee Why, Sydney, on Saturday afternoon, stepping out in a striking 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.
With dramatic red, white and black face paint, coordinated clothing and a red handbag, Ardern looked almost impossible to recognise.
Gayford matched the theatrical mood in a long white trenchcoat, grey jeans and black shoes, completing his look with an eye-catching psychedelic face mask.
Ardern and Gayford were accompanied by a friend and made a quick exit to a waiting vehicle before leaving the area.
The public appearance came days after Ardern was announced as joining a major Australian university, where she will mentor students and explore the principles of 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.
According to the university, Ardern’s work will examine empathetic leadership, social cohesion and civic trust, while also considering values-based leadership and more equitable, inclusive approaches to global health and wellbeing.
Jacinda Ardern fully embraced the Halloween celebrations on Saturday afternoon
The former New Zealand prime minister chose a colourful Day of the Dead-inspired costume
Red, white and black face paint completed Ardern’s coordinated Halloween appearance
Clarke Gayford followed closely behind in his own distinctive costume
In the position, she will connect with students, researchers and the broader university community through guest lectures, masterclasses and mentoring sessions.
The role is not a full-time teaching position. It was created by the university in 2019 to bring experienced professionals and practitioners into the academic environment.
Ardern relocated to Sydney’s northern beaches earlier this year after leading New Zealand through the Christchurch terrorist attacks, the Whakaari volcanic eruption and the COVID-19 crisis.
She stepped down as prime minister and leader of the New Zealand Labour Party in January 2023.
Since leaving political office, Ardern has said she has spent considerable time reflecting on leadership and how societies can encourage the qualities needed to confront major global challenges.
She also said she was eager to work with the University of Sydney community, exchange ideas and help develop practical responses to the issues affecting communities around the world.
Her post-political career has included fellowships at Harvard and Oxford universities, as well as the creation of an international initiative focused on advancing empathetic leadership.
University vice-chancellor Mark Scott said he had long respected Ardern for the courage, compassion and humanity she demonstrated during her time in public life.
He opted for a long white trenchcoat, grey jeans and black shoes…
…before revealing a rather trippy face mask
Ardern’s friend also got into the spirit with her own colourful outfit
The former PM made headlines earlier this week by taking up a post at a major Australian university to mentor students and teach 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.
Students would meet not only a former prime minister, but a thoughtful teacher with a great deal to share about public leadership and service, he said.
Ardern spoke at a gender equality conference in Melbourne in April, which was attended by delegates from 185 countries.
She also recently attended the Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.