Jacinda Ardern Joins the University of Sydney as Professor of Practice

On October 27, 2026, the University of Sydney announced that former New Zealand prime minister Dame Jacinda Ardern will begin a part-time, five-year appointment as a “professor of practice” in its School of Public Health. The role, described as a paid, non-full-time position, will involve guest lectures, masterclasses and mentoring focused on empathetic leadership, social cohesion and civic trust, as well as exploring equity-focused solutions to global health challenges.

Jacinda Ardern to take on professor role at University of Sydney The GuardianThe Sydney Morning HeraldThe New Zealand HeraldThe Guardian

Ardern led New Zealand from 2017 until her resignation in 2023, guiding the country through the Christchurch mosque attacks, the Whakaari volcanic eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic. After leaving office, she pursued academic fellowships at Harvard University’s Berkman Klein Centre (technology governance) and became a distinguished fellow at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government in 2024. She published the memoir *A Different Kind of Power* in 2025. The Sydney appointment follows her relocation to Australia earlier in 2026 with husband Clarke Gayford and daughter Neve.

The Guardian

• Property purchase in Sydney’s northern beaches reported at $5.3 million (Guardian) and $6.5 million.

The Sydney Morning Herald

• The University of Sydney enrolls more than 74,000 students.

The New Zealand Herald

• Ardern’s five-year contract does not specify weekly campus hours; the university declined to disclose exact time commitments.

The New Zealand Herald

Ardern said she is “delighted” to join the university and emphasized a post-premiership focus on how leadership can address global challenges.

Jacinda Ardern to take on professor role at University of Sydney

He added that students will benefit from learning from a “thoughtful teacher” with extensive public-service experience.

Jacinda Ardern to take on professor role at University of Sydney

• “I’ve found myself especially focused on the question of leadership since leaving office – and how we can better support and encourage the kind of leadership needed to tackle our many global challenges.” — The University

The Guardian

• “I’m delighted to be joining the University of Sydney,” — Jacinda Ardern, zealand prime minister

The Guardian

• “I’m delighted to be joining the University of Sydney. I’ve found myself especially focused on the question of leadership since leaving office – and how we can better support and encourage the kind of leadership needed to tackle our many global challenges,” — Ardern. She

Jacinda Ardern to take on professor role at University of Sydney

• Property value: The Guardian cites a $5.3 million purchase, while the NZ Herald reports a $6.5 million transaction for the same family home. The discrepancy remains unresolved.

The New Zealand Herald

• Contract specifics: Sources confirm a five-year term but differ on the amount of time Ardern will spend on campus; the university has not disclosed exact teaching hours.

Jacinda Ardern to take on professor role at University of Sydney

The university plans to integrate Ardern’s work with the Sydney Policy Lab and its broader public-policy initiatives throughout the coming months, though no specific program launch dates have been announced.

The New Zealand Herald