Ardern’s self-serving memoir hits shelves

Will Turn Ardern 2.0 rise?

Today, A Different Kind of Power, Jacinda Ardern’s self-congratulatory memoir, pollutes bookshelves across New Zealand. Wrapped in feel-good slogans and international praise, the book is a blatant attempt to rewrite history from the perspective of a leader who some describe as the worst in New Zealand history.

Ardern's time in office was not defined by kindness. It was marked by division, draconian lockdowns, suppression of dissent, and a carefully managed public image that distracted from the damage done. Her government presided over economic strain, increased social tension, and a media that mostly cheered rather than challenged. Now she wants to be remembered as a global icon of compassion.

Many New Zealanders remember it differently. The #TurnArdern movement, started by a Christchurch brickie, gave voice to that frustration. The simple act of turning her image upside down was a quiet but powerful protest against the spin that dominated her leadership.

With the release of this book, the question is whether Turn Ardern 2.0 will appear. Will Kiwis again quietly push back against the myth-building of the most performative prime minister in our history?

Time will tell. But don't be surprised if her face starts flipping again.

The rest of this post is available to paid subscribers, where I explain what I did with the Shaneel Lal book as a form of protest.