NZ PM Jacinda Ardern reveals how Clarke Gayford proposed to her
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has revealed more details about her surprise proposal from long-term partner Clarke Gayford, as well as explaining why she doesn’t wear her engagement ring on her left hand.
Despite her best attempts, a coy Ardern wasn’t able to dodge reporters’ questions about her recent proposal in a post-cabinet press conference in Wellington.
Naturally, she was reluctant to spill too many details.
“There are some things I don't mind keeping for ourselves,” Ms Ardern told reporters.
“This is a very public job and I'm quite happy to put quite a bit of ourselves out there. But there are some things I wouldn't mind keeping to ourselves.”
However, Ardern was more than happy to confirm where the proposal happened. It took place with a beautiful backdrop at the top of Mokotahi Hill in Mahia, which is on North Island’s east coast.
Ardern revealed who was on site when the proposal took place.
“It was Clarke, myself, a member of the DPS (Diplomatic Protection Squad), a couple of locals from Mahia and a dog which tried to eat the chocolate that Clarke bought me at the same time, so it was very romantic,” she explained.
She also admitted her partner didn’t get down on one knee, so the DPS member wasn’t aware of what was happening.
"The DPS had no idea what had happened so that should be a giveaway," she said.
As for why she doesn’t wear her new engagement ring on her left hand's ring finger?
“I have not been trying to hide our news from anyone," Ardern explained.
“It simply doesn't fit on the right finger, so that's why it's sitting in the middle.”
Ardern, who welcomed her daughter Eliza, 10 months with Clarke in 2018, has also said she has “absolutely no idea” when she will walk down the aisle.
"I was surprised by the question and as with probably many other couples we haven't made any plans at all," she said.
She was quick to end personal questions at the conference, saying “I think we’re done? Good."