Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford have taken their newborn baby girl home, leaving Auckland City hospital on Sunday and revealing their daughter’s name, Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford, in the process.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister explained that upon meeting their newborn they decided “she looked like she suited the name.”
“It means, in various forms, bright and radiant and snow, which seemed like a good combination for Matariki (Maori new year) and for solstice,” the 37-year-old explained.
“Te Aroha was our way of reflecting the amount of love this baby has been shown before she arrived and all of the names we were gifted along the way [by various iwi — or tribes],” she continued.
As well as showing off their gorgeous sleeping baby, the new parents revealed a few of the gifts they received, including notes from the Queen and Meghan Markle.
“As equally special to us were just those people who took time to send a little note, or a blanket or a set of booties,” Ardern said.
The booties the PM might be referring to are the R.M. Williams children’s boots Australia gave her during her visit to the country in March, made of Kangaroo leather and retailing at $145.
Speaking to marie claire earlier this year, Ardern admitted her path to pregnancy wasn’t easy – revealing they had tried both naturally and “with help” to no avail.
When Ardern was thrust into campaigning, she says their family plans were put on the back- burner … and then, it happened. “The fact that we knew we had issues was what made it such a surprise,” she said.
“You’re always trying to leave something good behind. I feel like that’s a very literal thing now.”
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