Spouse of the Prime Minister of New Zealand


The Spouse of the Prime Minister of New Zealand is an unofficial title, the holder of which, by convention, is the host or hostess of Premier House, the official residence of the Prime Minister. An unpaid position that has no official responsibilities, the role has gained significance since the 1960s, with the prime minister's spouse acting as a key national figure on social issues and a prominent symbol of government. The spouse also assists the prime minister in welcoming foreign dignitaries to Parliament House and the official residences.
The 23rd Prime Minister, Michael Joseph Savage, was a bachelor during his term, but otherwise, until the tenure of the 36th Prime Minister, Jenny Shipley, the post had always been filled by a woman; Burton Shipley was Jenny Shipley's husband. The current Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, is unmarried; her partner is radio personality Clarke Gayford.

Current

The current acting spouse of the Prime Minister of New Zealand is Clarke Gayford, who assumed the role when his partner became the Prime Minister of New Zealand on 26 October 2017.
There are currently eight living spouses of former prime ministers of New Zealand:
The most recent spouse of a New Zealand prime minister to die was Thea Muldoon, on 24 February 2015.

Role

The Prime Minister's spouse has no official duties. Some earlier spouses stayed mainly at home and took little part in public life.
However, most recent Prime Ministers' spouses have been involved in charities or community organisations, working to raise public awareness, funds, and support for a range of causes. They generally assist their partners in political campaigns, and participate in official duties that come with the position, such as hosting foreign dignitaries, and, in particular, entertaining the spouses of dignitaries; accompanying the Prime Ministers on national and international trips; attending conferences and functions; and speaking in public, particularly in the Prime Minister's constituency. They have attended the opening of Parliament; hosted visitors at Premier House; visited Buckingham Palace, the White House, or the Japanese Imperial Palace; and been present at royal coronations and conferences.

Official recognition

Some Prime Ministers' spouses have received official recognition for their services to the community:
Muldoon was the first spouse of a Prime Minister to be provided with an official secretary for dealing with her correspondence.

List of spouses

; engaged since May 2019.