Former US president Barack Obama yesterday shared advice on leadership and parenting with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who is expecting her first child in June. 
Obama, who is in New Zealand for three days, was greeted with a powhiri, a traditional Maori welcome, in Auckland before meeting with Ardern for a private conversation.
“He was gifted a beautifully carved whale tooth to acknowledge his skills as an orator and leader,” Ardern said in a statement. “I’m pretty sure New Zealand is leaving a unique and special impression.” After the meeting, New Zealand’s 37-year-old prime minister told media that the discussions were wide ranging, touching on the future of global politics, climate change and social media.
“It was very much about the international landscape and how we ensure future generations don’t observe internationally greater polarisation,” she said.
Ardern said she also asked the 44th US president how to deal with guilt as a parent “because I have no doubt I’m going to experience some of that in the future as I juggle the roles that I have.” His advice was simple: “His insights were the same as I’m sure any parent would probably give me: that you do your best,” she said.
Later yesterday, Obama was to speak in front of 800 guests at an invitation-only dinner. Obama will travel today to Sydney, where he will meet Australian Prime Minster Malcolm Turnbull.