Jacinda Ardern has opened up about the toll her job can take saying while she feels great pride for the country she leads, some days are difficult.
Ardern spoke to queer-focused news site gayexpress.co.nz about her three years as Prime Minister.
Despite all the trials her role has put her through - a terrorist attack, a volcanic eruption, a global pandemic, and as she added, a "major biosecurity incursion" - Ardern says most days she is grateful.
"Most days I will find something that reminds me that I am lucky to have this role. Most days. There are some days when that is harder than others."
Her composure in the face of such stress has made Ardern a household name across the world - she's graced the pages of Vogue, Time and more. But she says that the international coverage won't go to her head.
"Culturally, [New Zealanders] are all self-deprecating - tall poppy syndrome is something among all politicians that we can cultivate."
Despite all the stress she says she will fight for three more years as Prime Minister.
"I have a deeply ingrained sense of responsibility and I've had that for a long time," she said.
"That's why I became a member of Parliament and that's overwhelmingly what I feel more than any other desire is just that sense of responsibility and that duty of care."
