Jacinda Ardern has said she has “no regrets” the day after her resignation as New Zealand Prime Minister was announced.

Speaking to reporters at Napier Airport, where the Labor Party’s annual convention is being held, the Prime Minister said she had ‘slept well for the first time in a long time’ after announcing she was too tired to run for a third term.

A day after the announcement that shocked New Zealanders and the world, the liberal icon said she was feeling a range of emotions – from sadness to a “sense of relief”.

In her speech on Thursday, she said: “I hope to leave New Zealanders with the belief that you can be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused… when it’s time to go.”

New Zealand will go into an election later this year, on October 14, and Labor MPs are due to meet this weekend to decide on the next leader.

Ms. Ardern has declined to publicly endorse or support any candidate.

Canadian Justin Trudeau was among world leaders who paid tribute to Ardern, calling her “immeasurable” talent and a “good friend”, with many praising her for her kindness and crisis management.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark said the hatred and vitriol Ardern faced while in office was “unprecedented”.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ardern said she wanted to send a message to women seeking leadership positions. She said “for women in leadership positions and girls who are considering leading in the future, you can have a family and take on those roles and you can lead in your own style.”

Ardern said Thursday he had no immediate plans and just wanted to spend time with his family. “I look forward to spending more time with my family. Arguably they are the most dedicated of all of us.

Jacinda Ardern has said she has “no regrets” the day after her resignation as New Zealand Prime Minister was announced.

Speaking to reporters at Napier Airport, where the Labor Party’s annual convention is being held, the Prime Minister said she had ‘slept well for the first time in a long time’ after announcing she was too tired to run for a third term.

A day after the announcement that shocked New Zealanders and the world, the liberal icon said she was feeling a range of emotions – from sadness to a “sense of relief”.

In her speech on Thursday, she said: “I hope to leave New Zealanders with the belief that you can be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused… when it’s time to go.”

New Zealand will go into an election later this year, on October 14, and Labor MPs are due to meet this weekend to decide on the next leader.

Ms. Ardern has declined to publicly endorse or support any candidate.

Canadian Justin Trudeau was among world leaders who paid tribute to Ardern, calling her “immeasurable” talent and a “good friend”, with many praising her for her kindness and crisis management.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark said the hatred and vitriol Ardern faced while in office was “unprecedented”.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ardern said she wanted to send a message to women seeking leadership positions. She said “for women in leadership positions and girls who are considering leading in the future, you can have a family and take on those roles and you can lead in your own style.”

Ardern said Thursday he had no immediate plans and just wanted to spend time with his family. “I look forward to spending more time with my family. Arguably they are the most dedicated of all of us.