Jacinda Ardern said an emotional goodbye to the nation on Tuesday, her last day as prime minister, speaking of the kindness and empathy of New Zealanders, but adding that she is ready to fulfill her role as sister and mother.

Days after suddenly announcing she was “out of power” to lead the country and was retiring, Ardern, 42, attended a meeting of Maori politicians and elders in the small town of Ratana, north of Wellington, where citizens immediately ran to take pictures with her.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the greatest privilege of my life,” Ardern told the crowd.

He officially retires tomorrow, Wednesday. He will be replaced by new Labor leader Chris Hipkins.

Ardern, along with Hipkins and opposition politicians, made an annual visit to Ratana, which hosts a week-long celebration of the birth of the Maori prophet Tahupotika Viremu Ratana.

Wearing a black off-the-shoulder dress and a traditional Maori cloak called a korowai, she led her group through the community grounds to the sound of a brass band. Performances, songs and dances followed as Maori elders spoke of Ardern with humor and warmth.

“Thank you so much for teaching us how to love so quickly,” one of the Maori elders told Ardern.

In response, the 42-year-old politician said that she did not plan to speak, but those present could not help but ask her.

“My overall experience in this job has been filled with love, empathy and kindness,” she said.

The left-wing politician, a role model for many around the world, garnered attention for attending a United Nations assembly with her child and donning a hijab following a massacre against Muslims. Although she has been the target of hatred and online abuse from far-right extremists on social media, she said she leaves her post with love in her heart.

“I want you to know that I leave with more love and affection for Aotearoa (also known as New Zealand in Maori) and its people.”

“I didn’t think it was possible,” said the outgoing New Zealand prime minister, adding that her colleagues are exceptional people.

“I have never done this job alone,” Ardern said. “I did it with these wonderful New Zealand servants. And I’m leaving knowing you’re in good hands.”

Ardern plans to remain an MP until April to avoid a snap election before a general election in October. She said she was ready for her new, relatively inconspicuous role.

Ardern spoke to the media for perhaps the last time as prime minister, refusing to answer political questions with a smile, saying it was now the responsibility of her successor.

“I am ready to be many. I am ready to become an ordinary deputy. I am ready to be a sister and a mother,” she said.

Source: Reuters, Associated Press.