Jacinda Ardern has bid farewell to New Zealand’s parliament.

Aotearoa/New Zealand's former Prime Minister has departed parliament with a tearful speech, in which she called for more diverse leadership and urged politicians to keep climate change politics-free.

Ardern's global fame as a torch-bearer for liberal values and a symbol of female empowerment followed her becoming the world's youngest female head of government in 2017, and opening up about her fertility journey, blazing a trail for working women.

Despite her five years of notable achievements - leading New Zealand through some of its darkest days during, including the Christchurch terrorist attack and the COVID-19 pandemic - Ardern's tenure has been a divisive one, with Labour falling in opinion polls ahead of an upcoming election.

Her exit comes at a time when the country is heading towards a recession, with falling house prices and declining business confidence.

Ardern's resignation in January caused a global stir, with many commentators drawing attention to the abuse and threats faced by female leaders. It also put the spotlight on the issue of burnout, with Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's first minister, also resigning due to exhaustion.

In her final speech, Ardern called for action on climate change, urging politicians to take the politics out of the issue. 

She looks set to continue as a global advocate for positive change, leading New Zealand's push for greater safeguards against terrorist and violent content online as a special envoy for the Christchurch Call, and serving on the board of Prince William's Earthshot Prize, which rewards climate action and environmentalism.