Speaking this afternoon, Ardern said she reflected over the summer and tried to find a way to keep going for another year and another term but she could not.
"After going on six years of some big challenges, I am human. Politicians are human. For me, it's time...
"So today I'm announcing that I will not be seeking re-election and my term as prime minister will conclude no later than the 7th of February.
"I believe that leading a country is the most privileged job anyone could ever have but also one of the more challenging. You cannot and should not do it unless you have a full tank plus a bit in reserve for those unexpected challenges."
And with that, her legacy is set. 2 terms, unopposed. Which for a modern day leader on this side of the planet is, in fairness, quite the feat.
Now the next question is, why the timing, what horrors will be coming out of the woodwork? I can think of a few.