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A Different Kind of Power
What if we could redefine leadership? What if kindness came first? Jacinda Ardern grew up the daughter of a police officer in small-town New Zealand, but as the 40th Prime Minister of her country, she commanded global respect for her empathetic leadership that put people first. This is the remarkable story of how a Mormon girl plagued by self-doubt made political history and changed our assumptions of what a global leader can be.
When Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister at age thirty-seven, the world took notice. But it was her compassionate yet powerful response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, resulting in swift and sweeping gun control laws, that demonstrated her remarkable leadership. She guided her country through unprecedented challenges—a volcanic eruption, a major biosecurity incursion, and a global pandemic—while advancing visionary new polices to address climate change, reduce child poverty, and secure historic international trade deals. She did all this while juggling first-time motherhood in the public eye.
Ardern exemplifies a new kind of leadership—proving that leaders can be caring, empathetic, and effective. She has become a global icon, and now she is ready to share her story, from the struggles to the surprises, including for the first time the full details of her decision to step down during her sixth year as Prime Minister.
Through her personal experiences and reflections, Jacinda is a model for anyone who has ever doubted themselves, or has aspired to lead with compassion, conviction, and courage. A Different Kind of Power is more than a political memoir; it’s an insight into how it feels to lead, ultimately What if you, too, are capable of more than you ever imagined?
When Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister at age thirty-seven, the world took notice. But it was her compassionate yet powerful response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, resulting in swift and sweeping gun control laws, that demonstrated her remarkable leadership. She guided her country through unprecedented challenges—a volcanic eruption, a major biosecurity incursion, and a global pandemic—while advancing visionary new polices to address climate change, reduce child poverty, and secure historic international trade deals. She did all this while juggling first-time motherhood in the public eye.
Ardern exemplifies a new kind of leadership—proving that leaders can be caring, empathetic, and effective. She has become a global icon, and now she is ready to share her story, from the struggles to the surprises, including for the first time the full details of her decision to step down during her sixth year as Prime Minister.
Through her personal experiences and reflections, Jacinda is a model for anyone who has ever doubted themselves, or has aspired to lead with compassion, conviction, and courage. A Different Kind of Power is more than a political memoir; it’s an insight into how it feels to lead, ultimately What if you, too, are capable of more than you ever imagined?
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2025
2577 people are currently reading
21890 people want to read
About the author
Jacinda Ardern
11 books200 followersThe Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern was elected the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand at the age of thirty-seven, becoming the country’s youngest Prime Minister in more than 150 years. Since leaving office, Ardern has established the Field Fellowship on empathetic leadership. She is a Senior Fellow at Harvard University, continues to work on climate action, and is the Patron of the Christchurch Call to Action to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. Ardern also works on a number of projects that support women and girls, but considers her greatest roles to be those she will hold for life, including that of mum and proud New Zealander.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,249 reviews
June 5, 2025
Perfectly acceptable political memoir by someone ordinary who was tasked to work through some extraordinary circumstances. Occasionally it’s a great memoir, it’s never a disappointing one, unless you’re sexist, bitter, sitting on the right of the wing and hate-reading for fuel to power your flight to the top of the imaginary status-tower and/or an Aucklander still sad you didn’t get a personal apology for having to stay inside longer than anyone else but are now still very much alive to whinge and rage about that of course. It is absolutely and utterly written for an international market, and rightly so. New Zealand doesn’t deserve her, and the continual mood that this country is allowed to give her an exit interview is just part of our complex, embarrassing position as kid-sibling to the world. Go get that international money Aunty ‘Cinda, go secure those international job offers. You tried something different in politics, humanising it, and suggesting kindness as a value. How sad to have so many dumb, self-interested, selfish, sexist clowns decide they have decoded that as virtue signalling.
June 13, 2025
Jacinda Ardern was elected as prime minister of New Zealand. She was then the world’s youngest female head of government, and only the second to give birth while in office. She was drawn to government in an effort to bring change…to lead with kindness and empathy. There were several times I rewound the audiobook, not because I didn’t hear, but because I wanted to hear again:
“We were broken hearted, but not broken… when any part of the body suffers, the whole body feels pain”
“After the attack, we reformed our gun laws in 10 days”
“Here is what I would say to everyone that doesn’t fit the old mold: If you have imposter syndrome or question yourself, channel that. It will help you. You will read more, seek out advice, and humble yourself to situations that require humility to be conquered. If you’re anxious and overthink everything, if you can imagine the worst case scenario always, channel that too. It will mean you are ready when the most challenging days arise. And if you are thin skinned and sensitive, if criticism cuts you in two, that is not weakness, it’s empathy. In fact, all of the traits you believe are your flaws, will come to be your strengths. The things you thought would cripple you, will in fact make you stronger. Make you better. They will give you a different kind of power, and make you a leader that this world, with all its turmoil, might just need.”
This was a book I needed right now. I’m grieving for my country. I’m angry that our “leaders” are allowing a maniac to destroy what generations fought to create and build. And I can barely fathom that so many people voted for this. I’m honestly overwhelmed…. So yes, I needed this gentle but inspirational book. It helped me remember that there are people who will rise to lead, not from ego or for power, but to serve and improve lives. It’s a thread of hope I am dangling from….
“We were broken hearted, but not broken… when any part of the body suffers, the whole body feels pain”
“After the attack, we reformed our gun laws in 10 days”
“Here is what I would say to everyone that doesn’t fit the old mold: If you have imposter syndrome or question yourself, channel that. It will help you. You will read more, seek out advice, and humble yourself to situations that require humility to be conquered. If you’re anxious and overthink everything, if you can imagine the worst case scenario always, channel that too. It will mean you are ready when the most challenging days arise. And if you are thin skinned and sensitive, if criticism cuts you in two, that is not weakness, it’s empathy. In fact, all of the traits you believe are your flaws, will come to be your strengths. The things you thought would cripple you, will in fact make you stronger. Make you better. They will give you a different kind of power, and make you a leader that this world, with all its turmoil, might just need.”
This was a book I needed right now. I’m grieving for my country. I’m angry that our “leaders” are allowing a maniac to destroy what generations fought to create and build. And I can barely fathom that so many people voted for this. I’m honestly overwhelmed…. So yes, I needed this gentle but inspirational book. It helped me remember that there are people who will rise to lead, not from ego or for power, but to serve and improve lives. It’s a thread of hope I am dangling from….
August 11, 2025
I've admired Jacinda Ardern from afar for years and enjoyed getting to know more about her (my admiration for her has only gone up since listening to her inspiring memoir). I was especially keen to know more about her time as New Zealand's Prime Minister, which constitutes about the last five hours of the 12 hour audiobook (read by Ardern). Now to watch the documentary about her time as Prime Minister.
July 15, 2025
Jacinda Ardern’s “A Different Kind of Power” is one of those rare books that makes you pause and reflect. I was genuinely surprised—and impressed—that someone with such empathy could rise in the political arena. Her story underscores how women often bring a distinct style of leadership, one grounded in compassion and collaboration.
Ardern’s memoir is clearly written and refreshingly direct. I found it endearing that she’s affectionately called “Aunty Cinda,” much like Angela Merkel’s nickname “Mutti,” meaning “mother.” Prior to reading this, I knew very little about Ardern. Now I feel I’ve gained a meaningful glimpse into her way of thinking as well as a broader understanding of her life and values.
I hope she continues writing. I'd love to read a follow-up offering deeper insights into major issues she faced in office—particularly the pandemic—and another exploring her philosophy of leadership and governance in greater depth.
I experienced this as an audiobook from Audible, narrated by Ardern herself. Clocking in at twelve hours and five minutes, it was a pleasure to hear her speak in her authentic New Zealand accent. Her narration adds another layer of intimacy to the story and makes the listening experience all the more engaging.
Ardern’s memoir is clearly written and refreshingly direct. I found it endearing that she’s affectionately called “Aunty Cinda,” much like Angela Merkel’s nickname “Mutti,” meaning “mother.” Prior to reading this, I knew very little about Ardern. Now I feel I’ve gained a meaningful glimpse into her way of thinking as well as a broader understanding of her life and values.
I hope she continues writing. I'd love to read a follow-up offering deeper insights into major issues she faced in office—particularly the pandemic—and another exploring her philosophy of leadership and governance in greater depth.
I experienced this as an audiobook from Audible, narrated by Ardern herself. Clocking in at twelve hours and five minutes, it was a pleasure to hear her speak in her authentic New Zealand accent. Her narration adds another layer of intimacy to the story and makes the listening experience all the more engaging.
Want to read
May 22, 2025Mother is mothering! I miss her
June 7, 2025
So many lies in this book. She is rewriting history
She said,
“Be kind.”
And people lost their jobs for saying no to a medical procedure.
She said,
“We will govern for every New Zealander.”
And created a two-tier society based on vaccination status.
She said,
“We will continue to be your single source of truth.”
And censored dissent and labelled alternative views as “dangerous misinformation.”
She said,
“We are all in this together.”
And divided families, friends, and workplaces through mandates and fear.
She said,
“If you want summer… get vaccinated.”
And manipulated young people into medical compliance with the promise of parties and beaches.
She said,
“Don’t talk to your neighbours.”
And encouraged isolation, fear, and suspicion between everyday Kiwis.
She said,
“The vaccine is your passport to freedom.”
And that “freedom” came with conditions, consequences, and coercion.
She said,
“We’re rolling out the red carpet for the vaccinated.”
And rolled over the unvaccinated in the process.
She said,
“We must re-humanise each other.”
After years of dehumanising us, silencing dissent, and dividing society.
Now she says,
"We were there to serve people and kindness was a really simple way to embody that... it (kindness) was instinctive, I think it is what we needed at the time and what the world needs now."
She is selling the world an image of empathy.
But Kiwis remember something very different.
She said,
“Be kind.”
And people lost their jobs for saying no to a medical procedure.
She said,
“We will govern for every New Zealander.”
And created a two-tier society based on vaccination status.
She said,
“We will continue to be your single source of truth.”
And censored dissent and labelled alternative views as “dangerous misinformation.”
She said,
“We are all in this together.”
And divided families, friends, and workplaces through mandates and fear.
She said,
“If you want summer… get vaccinated.”
And manipulated young people into medical compliance with the promise of parties and beaches.
She said,
“Don’t talk to your neighbours.”
And encouraged isolation, fear, and suspicion between everyday Kiwis.
She said,
“The vaccine is your passport to freedom.”
And that “freedom” came with conditions, consequences, and coercion.
She said,
“We’re rolling out the red carpet for the vaccinated.”
And rolled over the unvaccinated in the process.
She said,
“We must re-humanise each other.”
After years of dehumanising us, silencing dissent, and dividing society.
Now she says,
"We were there to serve people and kindness was a really simple way to embody that... it (kindness) was instinctive, I think it is what we needed at the time and what the world needs now."
She is selling the world an image of empathy.
But Kiwis remember something very different.
June 4, 2025
5 stars… just want her back 😩
June 5, 2025
An interesting read about some remarkable events in NZ that happened during her time as Prime Minister. A rare example in recent history of a really decent human doing a really tough job.
June 5, 2025
A Different Kind of Power is an honest and personal insight into the life of a brilliant leader.
I absolutely tore through this book. Dame Jacinda Ardern's story is utterly fascinating, from her rural upbringing, time as an advisor, an MP, and finally Prime Minister. Each period teaches lessons about anxiety, imposter syndrome, and kindness, making the narrative thoroughly cohesive and satisfying.
Having lived through the events detailed during Dame Jacinda's time as Prime Minister, the setting of the memoir was familiar. To hear it from the other side, though, was very interesting. From the Christchurch terror attack to COVID, getting the opportunity to glimpse how and why decisions were being made allows one to match lived experiences with the logic of decisions being made. The nuggets of political gossip scattered throughout are a bit of fun as well. A great insight indeed.
Dame Jacinda is humble and graceful in reflection. She admits mistakes, acknowledges impactful decisions, and takes care to never sound angry or frustrated with her discontents. A brilliant political memoir of the leader of our times.
I absolutely tore through this book. Dame Jacinda Ardern's story is utterly fascinating, from her rural upbringing, time as an advisor, an MP, and finally Prime Minister. Each period teaches lessons about anxiety, imposter syndrome, and kindness, making the narrative thoroughly cohesive and satisfying.
Having lived through the events detailed during Dame Jacinda's time as Prime Minister, the setting of the memoir was familiar. To hear it from the other side, though, was very interesting. From the Christchurch terror attack to COVID, getting the opportunity to glimpse how and why decisions were being made allows one to match lived experiences with the logic of decisions being made. The nuggets of political gossip scattered throughout are a bit of fun as well. A great insight indeed.
Dame Jacinda is humble and graceful in reflection. She admits mistakes, acknowledges impactful decisions, and takes care to never sound angry or frustrated with her discontents. A brilliant political memoir of the leader of our times.
June 6, 2025
I took a break from the ACOTAR series to read this!
Read in two days and absolutely loved it. Jacinda writes with the same warmth, empathy, and dry wit that made so many of us admire her as a leader. This book is part memoir, part manifesto for a different kind of leadership—one grounded in kindness, courage, and actually caring (a wild concept, I know).
She doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff—burnout, public criticism, navigating motherhood while leading a country—but she does it with grace and a sense of humour that sneaks up on you and makes you laugh mid-sentence. It’s like getting a pep talk from a friend who’s been through the political wringer and come out the other side still believing in doing good.
I highlighted so many lines I’ll probably end up rereading the whole thing again soon. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in politics, leadership, or just good storytelling with heart.
Also: 10/10 would trust Jacinda to run the world. Or at least write more books.
Read in two days and absolutely loved it. Jacinda writes with the same warmth, empathy, and dry wit that made so many of us admire her as a leader. This book is part memoir, part manifesto for a different kind of leadership—one grounded in kindness, courage, and actually caring (a wild concept, I know).
She doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff—burnout, public criticism, navigating motherhood while leading a country—but she does it with grace and a sense of humour that sneaks up on you and makes you laugh mid-sentence. It’s like getting a pep talk from a friend who’s been through the political wringer and come out the other side still believing in doing good.
I highlighted so many lines I’ll probably end up rereading the whole thing again soon. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in politics, leadership, or just good storytelling with heart.
Also: 10/10 would trust Jacinda to run the world. Or at least write more books.
Read
May 11, 2025Many thanks to PRHAudio for the preview. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this memoir, narrated by Ardern herself. She’s such an inspiration. It makes me so jealous of the New Zealanders that they got to experience such competent and compassionate leadership.
I loved learning not only about her life, but also about the government in NZ, and the progress she and her party were able to achieve. Her kindness and caring really shine through. Highly recommend for an inspirational listen.
I really enjoyed this memoir, narrated by Ardern herself. She’s such an inspiration. It makes me so jealous of the New Zealanders that they got to experience such competent and compassionate leadership.
I loved learning not only about her life, but also about the government in NZ, and the progress she and her party were able to achieve. Her kindness and caring really shine through. Highly recommend for an inspirational listen.
June 6, 2025
Best book I have read in ages!! Jacinda is a queen!!!
June 10, 2025
I moved to New Zealand when I was 15. Now, at 33, I’ve never been more grateful to call this country home. I’ve never been especially interested in politics, or particularly aware of who was leading us, until Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister.
Something changed for me then. I noticed her. I noticed a woman standing up there, full of compassion and love. I could see in certain moments that she was holding it together, not because she lacked strength, but because she knew showing too much vulnerability would draw criticism. Because she was a woman. A young mother. A young Prime Minister. But what I saw was courage. What I saw was care. And that’s what made me start to really pay attention.
March 15th, 2019, was the moment I knew with certainty, that we were being led by the right person. I watched as the world turned its eyes to our country. I watched as our Muslim whānau were wrapped in love and support. I saw our Prime Minister standing there, hugging, grieving, speaking with shaky words. And I remember thinking: Why is THIS making headlines? Isn’t this just… what you do? But the truth is, for someone in her position, it was rare. She led with humanity. And that made her a changemaker.
This book reminded me of everything she carried on her shoulders, and of all the moments she chose people over politics. Jacinda made hard decisions, many of which weren’t popular. But she always seemed to choose the wellbeing of people, our people, first.
Reading this made me feel proud. Seen. Heard. It reminded me why I took notice in the first place.
I’ve kept my thoughts about Jacinda mostly private over the past few years. Even some of my closest friends love to belittle her or talk her down, especially when it comes to COVID. I usually just nod and smile, knowing that they’re simply expressing opinions that are different from mine.
COVID wasn’t easy for me either. My long-time partner left just before the first lockdowns, and I was suddenly on my own, left to cover all the bills while waiting for the subsidy to come through. I was lonely. Heartbroken. Other parts of my life started to unravel, too.
But still, I never once thought the decisions being made were wrong. I knew my mum, who’s had several brain tumours, was safe. I knew my colleague with a heart condition was safe. I’d watch from here as my family back in the UK were scared, losing neighbours, ending up in hospital… and I was grateful.
I often imagine what I’d say if I ever saw Jacinda Ardern in person. I think I’d want to thank her, to tell her I saw her, really saw her, and all that she was carrying, all that she was fighting for.
But in reality, I’d probably just go bright red and freeze.
Still, thank you, Jacinda.
Something changed for me then. I noticed her. I noticed a woman standing up there, full of compassion and love. I could see in certain moments that she was holding it together, not because she lacked strength, but because she knew showing too much vulnerability would draw criticism. Because she was a woman. A young mother. A young Prime Minister. But what I saw was courage. What I saw was care. And that’s what made me start to really pay attention.
March 15th, 2019, was the moment I knew with certainty, that we were being led by the right person. I watched as the world turned its eyes to our country. I watched as our Muslim whānau were wrapped in love and support. I saw our Prime Minister standing there, hugging, grieving, speaking with shaky words. And I remember thinking: Why is THIS making headlines? Isn’t this just… what you do? But the truth is, for someone in her position, it was rare. She led with humanity. And that made her a changemaker.
This book reminded me of everything she carried on her shoulders, and of all the moments she chose people over politics. Jacinda made hard decisions, many of which weren’t popular. But she always seemed to choose the wellbeing of people, our people, first.
Reading this made me feel proud. Seen. Heard. It reminded me why I took notice in the first place.
I’ve kept my thoughts about Jacinda mostly private over the past few years. Even some of my closest friends love to belittle her or talk her down, especially when it comes to COVID. I usually just nod and smile, knowing that they’re simply expressing opinions that are different from mine.
COVID wasn’t easy for me either. My long-time partner left just before the first lockdowns, and I was suddenly on my own, left to cover all the bills while waiting for the subsidy to come through. I was lonely. Heartbroken. Other parts of my life started to unravel, too.
But still, I never once thought the decisions being made were wrong. I knew my mum, who’s had several brain tumours, was safe. I knew my colleague with a heart condition was safe. I’d watch from here as my family back in the UK were scared, losing neighbours, ending up in hospital… and I was grateful.
I often imagine what I’d say if I ever saw Jacinda Ardern in person. I think I’d want to thank her, to tell her I saw her, really saw her, and all that she was carrying, all that she was fighting for.
But in reality, I’d probably just go bright red and freeze.
Still, thank you, Jacinda.
August 22, 2025
I don’t want to give 3 stars to this book, because I value the person behind the book so much.
However, this memoir was a bit of a disappointment.
The main takeaways are clear: Kindness as a form of leadership, women (with kids) can be leaders, you don’t have to feel like a leader to eventually become one and (although this probably was not on her list) if you don’t learn to compartmentalize, you will not come far in politics.
But was it needed to spend so much time on her youth? Only in chapter 21 she becomes prime minister, then there are two chapters about her becoming a mum while in office and in 28 she decides to leave. Wait what? How great it would have been to take more time to tell the tales of every day politics - not just covid and the Christchurch massacre.
But then again, this is a memoir, not an autobiography.
Two things I know for sure though:
- NZ politics are far more terrible than I had thought, when I visited the country
- And I love listening to NZ audiobooks, it’s melodic and sometimes just gives you a chuckle (hearing the PM talking about “dickheads” - i mean “decades”)
#45 - 2025 New Release - Booklist Queen Challenge
However, this memoir was a bit of a disappointment.
The main takeaways are clear: Kindness as a form of leadership, women (with kids) can be leaders, you don’t have to feel like a leader to eventually become one and (although this probably was not on her list) if you don’t learn to compartmentalize, you will not come far in politics.
But was it needed to spend so much time on her youth? Only in chapter 21 she becomes prime minister, then there are two chapters about her becoming a mum while in office and in 28 she decides to leave. Wait what? How great it would have been to take more time to tell the tales of every day politics - not just covid and the Christchurch massacre.
But then again, this is a memoir, not an autobiography.
Two things I know for sure though:
- NZ politics are far more terrible than I had thought, when I visited the country
- And I love listening to NZ audiobooks, it’s melodic and sometimes just gives you a chuckle (hearing the PM talking about “dickheads” - i mean “decades”)
#45 - 2025 New Release - Booklist Queen Challenge
June 20, 2025
I do not want to act like this is a bad book. It’s not. I found it very easily readable, and I found myself empathising with Jacinda Ardern more than I thought I would. Her disconnect from her religious community growing up had so many parallels to things I’ve experienced, and she put those feelings to the page really well. I like Jacinda as a human being and as a representative for New Zealand on the world stage, and in that sense I really support the success of this book. If we can, worldwide, expect politicians to be more like Jacinda Ardern, that’s a good thing. It’s just the omissions that really bother me.
Much of the early chapters of the book revolve around Jacinda’s family, but specifically her father Ross Ardern, who has had a numerous amount of police roles throughout his career. More time is spent on Ross’ career than the entirety of 2022 under Jacinda’s leadership. I found the way he was valorised without examination to be off-putting and strange. The depiction of him as a nice cop, trusted by the community, did not sit right with me. Ross Ardern participated in Dawn Raids as a young police officer, an anti-immigration series of operations so brutal and immoral that Jacinda herself would apologise for them in 2021. This fact about her father is not mentioned. When Jacinda is formulating her idea of the politics of kindness, her first example is her father arresting someone nonviolently. Realistically, I don’t expect a former Prime Minister to be saying ACAB or anything. I was just rubbed the wrong way by how little nuance the topic was given.
I don’t know if I’m projecting or not, but there’s a certain self-consciousness to the end of the book. In 2020, the Labour Party’s hard work under crisis paid off, and were elected in a landslide. After that election, Labour had functionally limitless power, with Jacinda at the helm. From my perspective, Labour basically did nothing with this power for three years, and got absolutely dogwalked in the next election, handing the country over to conservatives who would immediately undo most of what she had put in place. This memoir does little to challenge that perspective. Jacinda wins her second term in the final 10% of the book, begrudgingly blowing through about a quarter of her time as Prime Minister in a few pages before we get into her decision to resign. The following embarrassing loss in 2023 is not referenced. I think it undermines the book’s central thesis that her style of politics is effective.
There’s other omissions I didn’t love, specifically around Winston Peters and stuff, but I understand this is for an international audience, so I don’t really feel the need to complain about the lack of a 10 page primer on NZ First.
“A Different Kind of Power” makes the case that people like her are good leaders in times of crisis. But without any core ideology, call to action, or any examination of her impact or legacy, it’s hard to think it’s saying much. The book is a lot like Jacinda herself: human first, politician second. Unfortunately she hasn’t convinced me that’s a good thing.
Much of the early chapters of the book revolve around Jacinda’s family, but specifically her father Ross Ardern, who has had a numerous amount of police roles throughout his career. More time is spent on Ross’ career than the entirety of 2022 under Jacinda’s leadership. I found the way he was valorised without examination to be off-putting and strange. The depiction of him as a nice cop, trusted by the community, did not sit right with me. Ross Ardern participated in Dawn Raids as a young police officer, an anti-immigration series of operations so brutal and immoral that Jacinda herself would apologise for them in 2021. This fact about her father is not mentioned. When Jacinda is formulating her idea of the politics of kindness, her first example is her father arresting someone nonviolently. Realistically, I don’t expect a former Prime Minister to be saying ACAB or anything. I was just rubbed the wrong way by how little nuance the topic was given.
I don’t know if I’m projecting or not, but there’s a certain self-consciousness to the end of the book. In 2020, the Labour Party’s hard work under crisis paid off, and were elected in a landslide. After that election, Labour had functionally limitless power, with Jacinda at the helm. From my perspective, Labour basically did nothing with this power for three years, and got absolutely dogwalked in the next election, handing the country over to conservatives who would immediately undo most of what she had put in place. This memoir does little to challenge that perspective. Jacinda wins her second term in the final 10% of the book, begrudgingly blowing through about a quarter of her time as Prime Minister in a few pages before we get into her decision to resign. The following embarrassing loss in 2023 is not referenced. I think it undermines the book’s central thesis that her style of politics is effective.
There’s other omissions I didn’t love, specifically around Winston Peters and stuff, but I understand this is for an international audience, so I don’t really feel the need to complain about the lack of a 10 page primer on NZ First.
“A Different Kind of Power” makes the case that people like her are good leaders in times of crisis. But without any core ideology, call to action, or any examination of her impact or legacy, it’s hard to think it’s saying much. The book is a lot like Jacinda herself: human first, politician second. Unfortunately she hasn’t convinced me that’s a good thing.
June 8, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this but it made me very sad given the state of New Zealand politics at the moment. I feel like she’s going to have to write more books as this was clearly written for an international market and us NZ political nerds are going to need much more tea about working with Winston Peters. And she so clearly has not fully processed the Covid years - no shade none of us have - so she’s going to have to give us more on that once that has happened. I will wait patiently for both.
June 13, 2025
Jacinda Ardern is a national treasure and we were incredibly lucky to have her as a leader.
Highly recommend listening to this on audiobook if you’re like me and miss the warm and soothing voice of our Aunty.
Highly recommend listening to this on audiobook if you’re like me and miss the warm and soothing voice of our Aunty.
June 6, 2025
It is deep as a puddle and holds about as much life as mercury. A waste of time and money. She should have seen a shrink rather than spew this dross over a readers imagination. Lame
June 4, 2025
Really well written, wish she’d talked more about the politics though but maybe that’s just me
September 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ how many stars is enough?
June 14, 2025
I have endless amounts of respect for Jacinda Ardern and I have even more after reading this.
June 9, 2025
In "A Different Kind of Power," Jacinda Ardern achieves something remarkable: she transforms the often sterile genre of political memoir into an intimate journey through vulnerability, resilience, and the complex realities of leadership in turbulent times. This is not merely another politician's attempt at legacy-crafting, but rather a deeply human exploration of how an ordinary person from small-town New Zealand found herself navigating extraordinary global challenges while maintaining her essential humanity.
Written with the collaborative assistance of Ali Benjamin, this memoir stands as Ardern's first and likely only book-length work, making it a singular document of one of the most consequential political figures of the early 21st century. The timing of its publication, following her unexpected resignation as Prime Minister in January 2023, lends additional weight to her reflections on power, leadership, and the personal costs of public service.
The Foundation of Character: Small-Town Roots and Formative Experiences
Ardern's narrative begins not with political awakening but with the mundane yet profound details of childhood in Murupara, a struggling forestry town where her father served as police sergeant. These early chapters reveal the memoir's greatest strength: Ardern's ability to find universal truths in specific experiences. The image of four-year-old Jacinda, prone to car sickness in the back of the family's beige Toyota Corona, clutching her teddy bear while moving to a town where her father would be both protector and target of community suspicion, establishes the central tension that would define her life.
The author's description of Murupara during the economic upheaval of the 1980s provides crucial context for understanding her later political philosophy. When she writes about her father's belief that "the police can't arrest their way out of everything," we glimpse the empathetic approach to problem-solving that would later characterize her leadership style. Her Mormon upbringing, handled with nuanced honesty, reveals the complex relationship between childhood faith and adult political conviction—a tension that adds depth to her character rather than defining her limitations.
These formative chapters demonstrate Ardern's storytelling prowess. She writes with the practiced eye of someone who understands that personal narrative must serve larger purposes. When describing the family's move from the cramped police house to their larger home in Morrinsville, she captures the particular vulnerability of childhood while simultaneously exploring themes of belonging, identity, and social mobility that would resonate throughout her political career.
The Evolution of Political Consciousness
The memoir's middle sections trace Ardern's political awakening with remarkable candor about both her ambitions and insecurities. Her description of volunteering for Helen Clark's campaign while grappling with self-doubt provides insight into the psychological foundations of political ambition. The anecdote about confronting hecklers at a university rally—culminating in her memorable retort "You kiss your mothers with those mouths?"—reveals both her fierce protective instincts and her struggle with the "thin skin" that her father warned would prevent her from succeeding in politics.
Ardern's portrayal of her early parliamentary years offers valuable insights into the machinery of modern democratic governance. Her detailed account of working in Helen Clark's office, particularly her intimidating encounters with chief of staff Heather Simpson, humanizes the often opaque world of political operations. These scenes work because Ardern refuses to position herself as inevitably destined for greatness; instead, she presents herself as competent but uncertain, passionate but inexperienced.
The author's discussion of fertility struggles while pursuing political advancement adds another layer of complexity to her narrative. Her handling of journalist Jesse Mulligan's question about having children—and her subsequent confrontation with sports commentator Mark Richardson's inappropriate remarks about employers' rights to know women's reproductive plans—illuminates the unique challenges facing women in public life with both anger and analytical precision.
Crisis Leadership: The Defining Moments
The memoir's most powerful sections deal with the crises that defined Ardern's tenure as Prime Minister. Her account of the Christchurch mosque shooting stands as the book's emotional centerpiece, demonstrating both her genuine anguish and her capacity for decisive action. The detail about consulting with Armed Offenders Squad members about appropriate magazine capacity for hunting weapons—leading to New Zealand's gun reform passing with near-unanimous support in just ten days—illustrates her pragmatic approach to policy-making under pressure.
Ardern's COVID-19 chapters avoid the trap of either self-congratulation or excessive defensiveness. Instead, she presents the pandemic response as a series of difficult decisions made with incomplete information, driven by the principle that "we have to." Her description of the isolation required for effective decision-making during lockdowns—working late into the night with her small team while most of New Zealand slept—captures both the burden and the necessity of leadership during genuine emergencies.
What makes these crisis chapters particularly effective is Ardern's refusal to present herself as prescient or naturally gifted at crisis management. Instead, she emphasizes the collective effort required for effective governance, consistently crediting advisors, ministers, and civil servants. This humility strengthens rather than weakens her narrative authority, suggesting a leader secure enough in her achievements to acknowledge their collaborative nature.
The Personal-Political Balance: Motherhood and Leadership
Perhaps the memoir's most innovative contribution to political literature is its unflinching examination of combining motherhood with high-level political leadership. Ardern's account of becoming pregnant while serving as Prime Minister breaks new ground in political memoir writing, offering unprecedented insight into the practical and emotional challenges of this unique situation.
The scene of Ardern attempting to bake Neve's birthday cake from the Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book while managing prime ministerial duties serves as a perfect metaphor for the impossible standards she set for herself. Her admission that "no one had asked me to make a cake" but that she felt compelled to meet a "bare minimum set of 'Mum' things" reveals the internal pressure that accompanies breaking barriers as a woman leader.
Her description of Neve's first word being "Dadda" rather than "Mumma," and her subsequent joy when Neve finally says "Mumma" while Ardern was present, captures the particular guilt and triumph of working mothers with devastating honesty. These moments work because they transcend politics entirely, speaking to universal experiences of parenthood while simultaneously illustrating the unique pressures facing women in positions of extraordinary responsibility.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Ardern's prose demonstrates the influence of her speechwriting background—clear, direct, and emotionally intelligent without being manipulative. She employs a conversational tone that makes complex political concepts accessible while maintaining the gravitas appropriate to serious subject matter. Her use of specific, concrete details—from the Crown Lynn dinnerware her mother reserved for special occasions to the exact sequence of phone calls during the Christchurch crisis—grounds abstract concepts in lived experience.
The memoir's structure, moving chronologically from childhood through resignation, allows readers to understand the development of Ardern's worldview and leadership style. The circular narrative technique, opening and closing with moments of departure and new beginnings, provides satisfying symmetry while emphasizing themes of growth and change.
One particularly effective narrative choice is Ardern's decision to include dialogue extensively throughout the memoir. Rather than relying solely on retrospective analysis, she recreates conversations that illuminate character and motivation. Her phone call with Imam Gamal Fouda after the Christchurch shooting—where she simply repeats "I am so, so sorry" until she's certain he's heard her—demonstrates the power of presence and witness in leadership more effectively than any abstract discussion of empathy could achieve.
Critical Assessment: Strengths and Limitations
The memoir's greatest strength lies in its successful integration of personal vulnerability with political analysis. Ardern manages to be self-critical without being self-deprecating, honest about her limitations without undermining her authority. Her decision to step down as Prime Minister—prompted by the realization that she no longer possessed the energy and enthusiasm required for effective leadership—demonstrates a rare form of political courage that validates her entire approach to governance.
However, the memoir occasionally suffers from a tendency toward diplomatic language that obscures more difficult truths. While Ardern is forthright about her personal struggles, she sometimes retreats into generalities when discussing political opponents or contentious policy decisions. The book would benefit from more specific analysis of strategic mistakes or miscalculations, beyond her admission that certain policies could have been better communicated.
The memoir also reflects the limitations of the collaborative writing process with Ali Benjamin. While Benjamin's influence helps maintain narrative coherence and emotional resonance, some passages feel slightly over-polished, lacking the rough edges that might have provided additional authenticity. The careful balance between accessibility and depth occasionally tips too far toward the former, leaving readers wanting more substantial policy analysis.
Final Verdict: A Memoir of Substance and Significance
"A Different Kind of Power" succeeds both as political history and personal narrative, offering readers genuine insight into the complexities of modern democratic leadership. Ardern's combination of policy expertise, emotional intelligence, and storytelling ability creates a memoir that transcends typical genre limitations. While it occasionally sacrifices political analysis for personal reflection, this choice ultimately serves the book's broader purpose of humanizing political leadership without diminishing its importance.
The memoir's lasting value lies not in its revelation of previously unknown events—most of Ardern's major decisions were extensively documented—but in its exploration of the internal experiences that shaped those decisions. By sharing her vulnerabilities, uncertainties, and moments of doubt alongside her triumphs, Ardern provides a more complete portrait of political leadership than most memoirs achieve.
For readers seeking to understand both the possibilities and limitations of empathetic leadership in challenging times, "A Different Kind of Power" offers essential insights. The book's honest examination of the personal costs of public service, combined with its genuine optimism about the potential for positive change, makes it both a valuable historical document and an inspiring call to civic engagement.
Written with the collaborative assistance of Ali Benjamin, this memoir stands as Ardern's first and likely only book-length work, making it a singular document of one of the most consequential political figures of the early 21st century. The timing of its publication, following her unexpected resignation as Prime Minister in January 2023, lends additional weight to her reflections on power, leadership, and the personal costs of public service.
The Foundation of Character: Small-Town Roots and Formative Experiences
Ardern's narrative begins not with political awakening but with the mundane yet profound details of childhood in Murupara, a struggling forestry town where her father served as police sergeant. These early chapters reveal the memoir's greatest strength: Ardern's ability to find universal truths in specific experiences. The image of four-year-old Jacinda, prone to car sickness in the back of the family's beige Toyota Corona, clutching her teddy bear while moving to a town where her father would be both protector and target of community suspicion, establishes the central tension that would define her life.
The author's description of Murupara during the economic upheaval of the 1980s provides crucial context for understanding her later political philosophy. When she writes about her father's belief that "the police can't arrest their way out of everything," we glimpse the empathetic approach to problem-solving that would later characterize her leadership style. Her Mormon upbringing, handled with nuanced honesty, reveals the complex relationship between childhood faith and adult political conviction—a tension that adds depth to her character rather than defining her limitations.
These formative chapters demonstrate Ardern's storytelling prowess. She writes with the practiced eye of someone who understands that personal narrative must serve larger purposes. When describing the family's move from the cramped police house to their larger home in Morrinsville, she captures the particular vulnerability of childhood while simultaneously exploring themes of belonging, identity, and social mobility that would resonate throughout her political career.
The Evolution of Political Consciousness
The memoir's middle sections trace Ardern's political awakening with remarkable candor about both her ambitions and insecurities. Her description of volunteering for Helen Clark's campaign while grappling with self-doubt provides insight into the psychological foundations of political ambition. The anecdote about confronting hecklers at a university rally—culminating in her memorable retort "You kiss your mothers with those mouths?"—reveals both her fierce protective instincts and her struggle with the "thin skin" that her father warned would prevent her from succeeding in politics.
Ardern's portrayal of her early parliamentary years offers valuable insights into the machinery of modern democratic governance. Her detailed account of working in Helen Clark's office, particularly her intimidating encounters with chief of staff Heather Simpson, humanizes the often opaque world of political operations. These scenes work because Ardern refuses to position herself as inevitably destined for greatness; instead, she presents herself as competent but uncertain, passionate but inexperienced.
The author's discussion of fertility struggles while pursuing political advancement adds another layer of complexity to her narrative. Her handling of journalist Jesse Mulligan's question about having children—and her subsequent confrontation with sports commentator Mark Richardson's inappropriate remarks about employers' rights to know women's reproductive plans—illuminates the unique challenges facing women in public life with both anger and analytical precision.
Crisis Leadership: The Defining Moments
The memoir's most powerful sections deal with the crises that defined Ardern's tenure as Prime Minister. Her account of the Christchurch mosque shooting stands as the book's emotional centerpiece, demonstrating both her genuine anguish and her capacity for decisive action. The detail about consulting with Armed Offenders Squad members about appropriate magazine capacity for hunting weapons—leading to New Zealand's gun reform passing with near-unanimous support in just ten days—illustrates her pragmatic approach to policy-making under pressure.
Ardern's COVID-19 chapters avoid the trap of either self-congratulation or excessive defensiveness. Instead, she presents the pandemic response as a series of difficult decisions made with incomplete information, driven by the principle that "we have to." Her description of the isolation required for effective decision-making during lockdowns—working late into the night with her small team while most of New Zealand slept—captures both the burden and the necessity of leadership during genuine emergencies.
What makes these crisis chapters particularly effective is Ardern's refusal to present herself as prescient or naturally gifted at crisis management. Instead, she emphasizes the collective effort required for effective governance, consistently crediting advisors, ministers, and civil servants. This humility strengthens rather than weakens her narrative authority, suggesting a leader secure enough in her achievements to acknowledge their collaborative nature.
The Personal-Political Balance: Motherhood and Leadership
Perhaps the memoir's most innovative contribution to political literature is its unflinching examination of combining motherhood with high-level political leadership. Ardern's account of becoming pregnant while serving as Prime Minister breaks new ground in political memoir writing, offering unprecedented insight into the practical and emotional challenges of this unique situation.
The scene of Ardern attempting to bake Neve's birthday cake from the Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book while managing prime ministerial duties serves as a perfect metaphor for the impossible standards she set for herself. Her admission that "no one had asked me to make a cake" but that she felt compelled to meet a "bare minimum set of 'Mum' things" reveals the internal pressure that accompanies breaking barriers as a woman leader.
Her description of Neve's first word being "Dadda" rather than "Mumma," and her subsequent joy when Neve finally says "Mumma" while Ardern was present, captures the particular guilt and triumph of working mothers with devastating honesty. These moments work because they transcend politics entirely, speaking to universal experiences of parenthood while simultaneously illustrating the unique pressures facing women in positions of extraordinary responsibility.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Ardern's prose demonstrates the influence of her speechwriting background—clear, direct, and emotionally intelligent without being manipulative. She employs a conversational tone that makes complex political concepts accessible while maintaining the gravitas appropriate to serious subject matter. Her use of specific, concrete details—from the Crown Lynn dinnerware her mother reserved for special occasions to the exact sequence of phone calls during the Christchurch crisis—grounds abstract concepts in lived experience.
The memoir's structure, moving chronologically from childhood through resignation, allows readers to understand the development of Ardern's worldview and leadership style. The circular narrative technique, opening and closing with moments of departure and new beginnings, provides satisfying symmetry while emphasizing themes of growth and change.
One particularly effective narrative choice is Ardern's decision to include dialogue extensively throughout the memoir. Rather than relying solely on retrospective analysis, she recreates conversations that illuminate character and motivation. Her phone call with Imam Gamal Fouda after the Christchurch shooting—where she simply repeats "I am so, so sorry" until she's certain he's heard her—demonstrates the power of presence and witness in leadership more effectively than any abstract discussion of empathy could achieve.
Critical Assessment: Strengths and Limitations
The memoir's greatest strength lies in its successful integration of personal vulnerability with political analysis. Ardern manages to be self-critical without being self-deprecating, honest about her limitations without undermining her authority. Her decision to step down as Prime Minister—prompted by the realization that she no longer possessed the energy and enthusiasm required for effective leadership—demonstrates a rare form of political courage that validates her entire approach to governance.
However, the memoir occasionally suffers from a tendency toward diplomatic language that obscures more difficult truths. While Ardern is forthright about her personal struggles, she sometimes retreats into generalities when discussing political opponents or contentious policy decisions. The book would benefit from more specific analysis of strategic mistakes or miscalculations, beyond her admission that certain policies could have been better communicated.
The memoir also reflects the limitations of the collaborative writing process with Ali Benjamin. While Benjamin's influence helps maintain narrative coherence and emotional resonance, some passages feel slightly over-polished, lacking the rough edges that might have provided additional authenticity. The careful balance between accessibility and depth occasionally tips too far toward the former, leaving readers wanting more substantial policy analysis.
Final Verdict: A Memoir of Substance and Significance
"A Different Kind of Power" succeeds both as political history and personal narrative, offering readers genuine insight into the complexities of modern democratic leadership. Ardern's combination of policy expertise, emotional intelligence, and storytelling ability creates a memoir that transcends typical genre limitations. While it occasionally sacrifices political analysis for personal reflection, this choice ultimately serves the book's broader purpose of humanizing political leadership without diminishing its importance.
The memoir's lasting value lies not in its revelation of previously unknown events—most of Ardern's major decisions were extensively documented—but in its exploration of the internal experiences that shaped those decisions. By sharing her vulnerabilities, uncertainties, and moments of doubt alongside her triumphs, Ardern provides a more complete portrait of political leadership than most memoirs achieve.
For readers seeking to understand both the possibilities and limitations of empathetic leadership in challenging times, "A Different Kind of Power" offers essential insights. The book's honest examination of the personal costs of public service, combined with its genuine optimism about the potential for positive change, makes it both a valuable historical document and an inspiring call to civic engagement.
September 12, 2025
Audiobook. Queen energy. Miss her.
June 16, 2025
A wonderfully written, inspiring autobiography that I know I’ll come back to. Ardern writes with clarity, warmth and honesty — she owns her story not with ego, but with humility and hard-won insight. One quote I’ve already returned to: “The difference between what we are and what we could be is the greatest waste.” It captures so much of the book’s heart. I admired how open she was about her values, how they shape her, and where she’s struggled to live up to them. It’s a generous, thoughtful reflection on leadership, integrity, and being human
I hope she writes more!
I hope she writes more!
July 6, 2025
An emotional roller coaster. I cried twice at the hard bits - March 15, and reliving that very specific fear and dread that was lockdown - but finished feeling less downtrodden about the state of the world. There is h still hope! People are generally good! One step at a time!
Comforting to hear her talk in more depth about channelling sensitivity and overthinking into good.
I’m grateful we were so lucky to have a thoughtful and selfless leader at a time when the country was faced with impossible decisions.
Comforting to hear her talk in more depth about channelling sensitivity and overthinking into good.
I’m grateful we were so lucky to have a thoughtful and selfless leader at a time when the country was faced with impossible decisions.
Read
July 6, 2025Full disclosure, I’m a huge fan of Jacinda Ardern who I believe is the best prime minister our country has ever seen and saved so many lives in NZ during COVID only to have her people turn on her, many times evidencing their misogyny. So I was always going to love her book, and saw on TikTok she would be narrating it herself so was even more excited. As expected, and as usual, she did not disappoint. I was listening while gardening with tears streaming during the chapters on the mosque attacks. I was listening on the ferry (carefully holding back the tears so as to not concern my fellow commuters) while I listened to her talk about her decision to leave. So glad she is in our world, so sad NZers don’t appreciate how lucky we were to have her lead with kindness. And, if there was any doubt about her description of Seymour, haven’t we all seen even more evidence of it! A great leader, wife and mum. We could all do with being a little more like her. Me te atawhai (with kindness).
July 11, 2025
LOVED! I listened to her read it as an audio book which makes it feel even more personal I think. Obviously she picks and chooses what to tell us but I think even if you dont like her political choices it's such an interesting look at life in the lead up to, and being, the prime minister of NZ. It was emotional reliving those years and all the crazy stuff that happened. I also loved hearing the personal things she chose to include, especially around mum guilt and the reasoning behind some of her decisions.
I've been privileged in life to have experienced first hand many empathetic and kind leaders and this book really drives home how important that is.
I've been privileged in life to have experienced first hand many empathetic and kind leaders and this book really drives home how important that is.
September 12, 2025
Even though I live across the world from New Zealand, I've admired Jacinda Ardern for years now. Her memoir is an incredibly authentic and human insight into her life, her way into politics and the challenges she faced both as a person and politician. It also is a glimmer of hope in an increasingly depressing world. I often struggle to remain optimistic in the face of fascism, wars and the overall political shift to the right we're currently witnessing all around the world. And in a way, after finishing this book, I cannot help but wonder how we went from electing people like Ardern to ... whatever the fuck we're doing now. But I also want to believe that more people like her will find their ways into politics and make the world a little better.
I'd also definitely recommend listening to this on audio. Ardern has such an engaging way of narrating, I flew through the audio book.
I'd also definitely recommend listening to this on audio. Ardern has such an engaging way of narrating, I flew through the audio book.
September 7, 2025
This audiobook got me through a four-hour rough sea crossing in a Fijian dinghy.
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would! Jacinda was very relatable and human, and the content surprising accessible for someone not at all politically-minded like myself.
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would! Jacinda was very relatable and human, and the content surprising accessible for someone not at all politically-minded like myself.
June 7, 2025
Quite good. She's still very much a politician but that is to be expected. Easy to read.
My biggest take-away is what an absolutely mad time it was during her time as PM. Covid, March 15, Whakaari, etc. Its was a mad coupe of years.
My favourite part was when she called David Seymour an arrogant prick. Do it again. Drag him. Truer words have never been spoken.
My biggest take-away is what an absolutely mad time it was during her time as PM. Covid, March 15, Whakaari, etc. Its was a mad coupe of years.
My favourite part was when she called David Seymour an arrogant prick. Do it again. Drag him. Truer words have never been spoken.
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