The Covid-19 pandemic has hit women hard, in particular amplifying gender gaps. Yet women have also proved that their contributions – on the front lines and leadership positions – are invaluable.
Jack Vowles, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Jacinda Ardern is at stratospheric support levels due to her government’s management of the COVID-19 crisis. That lead will inevitably narrow by the election – but by how much?
It is no accident that those leaders who have responded worst to this crisis have also been the main sources of countless conspiracy theories and misinformation.
Michael Fletcher, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
With unemployment soaring due to COVID-19, why is Jacinda Ardern’s centre-left government significantly less generous towards beneficiaries than Scott Morrison’s centre-right government in Australia?
Authentic leadership doesn’t just mean ‘being true to yourself’. It requires self-awareness, a moral compass, understanding your own internal biases and vulnerability.
With his defence of those on “struggle street” mixed with a hectoring and bullying style, Jones exerted enormous influence on Australian public life. But utlimately, progress ran over the top.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will warn against the danger of a protectionist push in Australia as a result of the virus crisis, in a Tuesday speech that also stresses it is vital to get the country moving…
Whatever the eventual impact on women’s candidacies post-pandemic, COVID-19 has the potential to shock the system, upending or reinforcing existing gender imbalances in political power.
Grant Duncan, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
New Zealand’s COVID-19 elimination strategy has been a collective success, involving ‘ordinary’ Kiwis and unity across political divides. Ending lockdown and a looming election will test that unity.
Richard Shaw, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
Ardern’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis has inspired high trust in the state but by the time the country goes to the polls later this year, the outbreak’s social and economic damage may change that.
Suze Wilson, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
As someone who researches and teaches leadership, I’d argue New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is giving most Western politicians a masterclass in crisis leadership.
Overjoyed. That’s not a word epidemiologists normally use, but that’s how I felt after hearing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s announcement of New Zealand’s COVID-19 lockdown from Wednesday night.
Disaster of any kind throws qualities of leadership – or the perceived lack thereof – under the spotlight. People respond most to leaders who show empathy and authenticity.
A crisis of this scale requires a willingness to listen to the best sources of advice and generate bipartisan consensus. But Morrison has struggled to put the national interest above party politics.