New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern Announces Pregnancy

New Zealand's Prime Minister has announced she's pregnant with her first child.

Jacinda Ardern found out she was expecting just six days before coming to power in October.

Her partner Clarke Gayford - who's a TV presenter - is going to be a stay-at-home dad.

The couple made the announcement via an Instagram post:

 

And we thought 2017 was a big year! Clarke and I are really excited that in June our team will expand from two to three, and that we’ll be joining the many parents out there who wear two hats. I’ll be Prime Minister AND a mum, and Clarke will be “first man of fishing” and stay at home dad. I think it’s fair to say that this will be a wee one that a village will raise, but we couldn’t be more excited. I know there will be lots of questions, and we’ll answer all of them (I can assure you we have a plan all ready to go!) But for now, bring on 2018.

A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) on Jan 18, 2018 at 1:44pm PST

Speaking to reporters, Ms Ardern said she's planning to take a short six-week break after the birth in June.

Two former New Zealand leaders were among those to congratulate Ms Ardern and Mr Gayford after their announcement.

Wishing @jacindaardern & @NZClarke all the best as they expect their 1st child in June: a super busy year coming up & much to look forward to. Every #woman should have the choice of combining family & career. https://t.co/Ma6B6OGXJe

— Helen Clark (@HelenClarkNZ) January 18, 2018

Congratulations to @jacindaardern and @NZClarke. Mary and I wish them all the best for their impending arrival.

— Bill English (@RtHonBEnglish) January 18, 2018

Former Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto is said to have been the first modern head of government to give birth while in office in 1990.