A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern

Whether you’re a fan of Jacinda Ardern’s politics or not, it’s impossible to ignore the impact she’s had on Aotearoa New Zealand and the world stage through her compassionate leadership.

When Jacinda became Prime Minister, the world took notice! Globally, she became known for redefining what it means to lead with kindness, courage and authenticity.

A Different Kind of Power offers an intimate look into the life and leadership philosophy of New Zealand's 40th Prime Minister.  From her upbringing as the daughter of a police officer in a small town in New Zealand and her early years as a self-doubting Mormon girl, her journey is as relatable as it is remarkable. The memoir traces her meteoric rise to becoming the world’s youngest female head of government and only the second leader in history to give birth while in office. What sets this memoir apart is Jacinda’s candor about her vulnerabilities and how she transformed self-doubt into a source of strength.

“Some people thought kindness was sentimental, soft. A bit naive, even. I knew this. But I also knew they were wrong. Kindness has a power and strength that almost nothing else on this planet has. I’d seen kindness do extraordinary things - I’d seen it give people hope, I’d seen it change minds, and transform lives… Kindness. This was my guiding principle, and it would be the trait with which I would try to lead, no matter what lay ahead,” she says. 

The book’s emotional core lies in Jacinda’s response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. Her compassion in the face of tragedy and her swift gun-control reforms captured the world’s attention. Through volcanic eruptions and a pandemic, her human-centred approach proved that it is possible to govern with both strength and kindness.

Jacinda also reflects on the personal dimensions of leadership, including navigating first-time motherhood under public scrutiny, balancing the demands of political office with family life, and ultimately, the decision to step down after six years as Prime Minister. Her honesty about the pressures and sacrifices of leadership, as well as her continuing hopes for the future, are refreshing and moving.

What I enjoyed most about A Different Kind of Power is how much of the book concentrates on Jacinda’s life before entering politics. The memoir details her experiences, values and pivotal moments that shaped her long before she stepped into the public eye. Instead of getting bogged down in a meticulous, play-by-play analysis of her time in office, she shares her reflections, giving readers a thoughtful overview. This approach keeps the narrative relatable, allowing her personal journey and character to take centre stage, and offering a much deeper understanding of the person behind the politician.

Having lived through her years in office and remembering her fronting the media during national tragedies and the global pandemic, I often wondered what life was really like for her behind the scenes. For me, this memoir answers that question, providing the insight and honesty I’d hoped for. But what makes A Different Kind of Power stand out is its accessibility, self-awareness, warmth and humour. 

One of the reasons I love reading memoirs is the unique window they offer into other people’s lives. It’s not just about learning the stories of well-known people but also discovering the everyday details, struggles and triumphs that shape a person.

Memoirs let us step into someone else’s shoes, see the world through their eyes, and understand experiences that are often so different from our own. There’s something compelling about the honesty and vulnerability that comes with personal storytelling, and A Different Kind of Power is no exception. 

Since leaving office, Dame Jacinda Ardern continues to work on climate action, is a senior fellow at Harvard University and the patron of the Christchurch Call to Action to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.

Read an extract here and follow Jacinda online.

Reviewer: Andrea Molloy

Penguin Random House