Jacinda Ardern is brand New Zealand’s breath of 100% Pure air
Not since the launch of the 100% Pure campaign has a single force had the power to impact on brand New Zealand in such a profound way, says Principals’ Steve Main.
A change in leadership for a company or organisation can do incredible things to its brand. Think about Rob Fyfe who became CEO of Air New Zealand and enabled a change in the airline’s culture towards customer centricity and innovation, a legacy which endures today. Or Eddie Jones taking over England’s rugby team and massively lifting their game (until recently, at least).
Right now, brand New Zealand is experiencing such an impact powered by Jacinda Ardern.
Ardern campaigning at the University of Auckland in 2017 Source: Wikipedia
Since the moment our new Prime Minister was elected – and even more so since she announced her pregnancy – Jacinda has dominated the headlines well beyond New Zealand, popping up in publications from as far afield as Brussels.
I once asked a friend from New Zealand why his country seemed to be smarter than Australia. He replied: “We have to be.”
The differences between Oz and NZ have never been starker… New Zealand is politically, progressively, ethically and compassionately light years ahead of us. I wish we could do our usual Australian trick and claim yet another successful/popular/talented New Zealander as ours (at least until they stuff up, then they’re miraculously Kiwis again)… reckon it’s too late to swap Barnaby ‘New Zealander/Father Of The Year for Jacinda? Please?
Nicely framed up thank you Steve. Your right, she aligns nicely with the NZ Story values of Kaitiaki. I also think the Jacinda effect becomes even stronger when lots of global leaders are behaving pretty poorly (in my opinion).