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24th Jun 2018

New Zealand’s Prime Minister has given her newborn daughter an Irish name

But with an unusual spelling.

Anna O'Rourke

New Zealand's Prime Minister has given her newborn daughter an Irish name

We love her hat!

The Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern has unveiled her newborn daughter to the world and revealed her name.

She and partner Clarke Gayford have named the little girl Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford.

The name is derived from the Irish name Niamh, which means bright, radiant and snow, Arden told reporters at Auckland Hospital.

The couple decided on the unusual spelling for ease of pronunciation, something which many Irish people will be able to relate to.

New Zealand's Prime Minister has chosen an Irish name for her new baby

“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.”

Te Aroha is the name of a mountain in New Zealand.

The couple welcomed Neve, their first child, on Thursday, announcing the news on Instagram.

“Welcome to our village wee one,” Ardern wrote in the caption.

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

A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) on

 

She is thought to be the second elected leader in modern history who has given brith while holding office.

Earlier this year she announced that she would be taking a six-week maternity leave after giving birth and that her partner would then stay at home with baby.

“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.”