WELLINGTON, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner, Clarke Gayford, announced on Friday that they are expecting their first child in June.
"We're both really happy. We wanted a family but weren't sure it would happen for us, which has made this news unexpected but exciting," Ardern said in a statement.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters congratulated Ardern on news of her pregnancy. Peters will take on the role of acting prime minister for a period of six weeks of Ardern's maternity leave after the baby is born.
"As is the case when I am overseas, Mr. Peters will act as prime minister, working with my office while staying in touch with me. I fully intend to be contactable and available throughout the six-week period when needed," Ardern said, adding at the end of her maternity leave, she will resume all prime ministerial duties.
The prime minister said that her partner can stay home to be the primary caregiver, adding that they first knew of her pregnancy on Oct. 13, but "as many couples do in the early stages, we kept it to ourselves."
"From a personal perspective, I am so looking forward to my new role as a parent. But I am equally focused on my job and responsibilities as prime minister," Ardern said.
Ardern will be only the second modern head of government to give birth while in office, after then Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto gave birth to her third child in 1990, according to local media.
