The former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardernreceived one of the country’s highest honors in recognition of her governance during the covid pandemic and her handling of the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch.

Ardern was named “Dame Grand Companion”, the second highest-grossing title in New Zealand today as the country celebrates the birthday of the UK’s King Charles III. The recipient of this honor is usually chosen by the New Zealand Prime Minister and then approved by the British monarch, who is the head of state in New Zealand.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said Ardern was being honored for her service during some of the most serious challenges New Zealand has faced in modern times.

“Her leadership of New Zealand’s response to the 2019 terrorist attacks and the covid-19 pandemic have been times of intense challenge for our 40th Prime Minister, during which I have seen first-hand that her commitment to New Zealand has remained steadfast“, Hipkins pointed out.

Ardern was first elected prime minister in 2017 and in January abruptly resigned, saying she no longer had the strength to lead New Zealand.

The former prime minister, who has previously said she believes she will see New Zealand become a de facto democracy in her lifetime, said she had “second thoughts” about whether to accept the honour. Ardern emphasized that the efforts for which she is being recognized “they were about all of us and not about one person».

“But I’ve heard many New Zealanders say this, whom I myself have encouraged to accept an honour,” she explained in a statement. “So for me this is a way of saying thank you – to my family, my colleagues and the people who have supported me in taking on the most challenging and rewarding role of my life».