New Zealand's Prime Minister gives baby daughter an Irish name

 

Last week, Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's Prime Minister welcomed a baby girl.

 

Jacinda and her partner Clarke Gayford have now announced the newborn's name and it has Irish routes.

 

The couple named their daughter Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford.

 

Neve is linked to the Irish name, Niamh.

 

 

One of the many special people we have been so grateful for over these past few months, our wonderful midwife Libby. Not only is she incredible at what she does, this morning she made me macaroni and cheese because she heard me mention a wee craving yesterday. Thank you so much for everything Libby!

A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) on Jun 21, 2018 at 8:26pm PDT

 

Niamh means bright, radiant and snow, the Prime Minister said to reporters at Auckland Hospital.

 

The unique spelling the new parents chose was for practical purposes when people were trying to pronounce the name - something a lot of Irish Niamhs can relate too.

 

"When we met her we thought she looked like she suited the name," she said.

 

"Also it means, in various forms, bright and radiant and snow, which seemed like a good combination for Matariki (Maori new year) and for solstice."

 

 

Couldn’t make any of Ed Sheeran’s shows while he is here so cheekily suggested he come round for a cuppa and some scones. Didn’t quite expect him to say yes. Thanks @teddysphotos It was a real treat to meet you. And as an added bonus, my scones weren’t a complete disaster!

A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) on Mar 24, 2018 at 11:20pm PDT

 

The second half of the newborn name - Te Aroha - comes from a mountain in New Zealand.

 

It is believed that the Prime Minister is the second elected leader in modern history to give birth while holding office.

 

On Thursday, the couple revealed the birth of their first child on Instagram.

 

 

Welcome to our village wee one. Feeling very lucky to have a healthy baby girl that arrived at 4.45pm weighing 3.31kg (7.3lb) Thank you so much for your best wishes and your kindness. We're all doing really well thanks to the wonderful team at Auckland City Hospital.

A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) on Jun 20, 2018 at 11:14pm PDT

 

The new mum wrote: "Welcome to our village wee one," 

 

"Feeling very lucky to have a healthy baby girl that arrived at 4.45pm weighing 3.31kg (7.3lb).

 

"Thank you so much for your best wishes and your kindness. We're all doing really well thanks to the wonderful team at Auckland City Hospital."

 

 

Spent today meeting the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel. Lots to discuss including trade, the Pacific, Syria, Russia, running coalition governments, climate change and our cooperation in the field of science and space. Many things stood out from the conversation, but one was our different approach to MMP. Germany has never used confidence and supply agreements to form a government, just straight coalitions. An obscure but interesting fact if you’re a political nerd!

A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) on Apr 17, 2018 at 10:25am PDT

 

During her pregnancy, it was revealed she would take six-weeks of maternity leave after Neve's arrival and her partner would then be a stay-at-home dad. 

 

"Clarke and I are privileged to be in the position where Clarke can stay home to be our primary caregiver."

 

"Knowing that so many parents juggle the care of their new babies, we consider ourselves to be very lucky."