Ardern distances herself from Netflix documentary!

[Toley]

“In early March 2019 the prime minister was approached by the Mandela Foundation to participate in a project to develop accessible resources on key attributes of leadership targeted at aspiring young leaders around the world, based off a one-hour interview.

“Originally we were advised the outputs would be printed and digital books, short films and audiobooks.

“The interview was conducted on November 8, 2019. In March 2020 a short book entitled Jacinda Ardern (I Know This to be True) was published based on the interview. Other participants who also had their contributions published based on their interviews included the late US Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the feminist activist Gloria Steinem, the climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and the American basketball player Stephen Curry.

“In March 2021 the Nelson Mandela Foundation advised the prime minister’s office they had secured an agreement with Netflix to broadcast the series of interviews, including the 2019 interview with the prime minister.

“In May this year the prime minister’s office was notified that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would introduce the series; noting this was nearly two and a half years after the interview had been recorded and permission for its use by the Mandela Foundation had already been provided.

“All communication throughout has been with the foundation (there has been no communications with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex regarding the project).”

Crumbs.

So?

I don't see this as distancing herself. She explained what happened. Maybe there was more context in the full article?

Interesting and definitely distancing herself in an "I said those things but not for this" kind of way. Which is fair enough. She granted permission to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, not Archewell or Netflix. But presumably legally they can sell that on or they wouldn't have done so.

Who can blame her? Harry and Meghan PR poison

Jacinda Ardern Is the a prime Minister of New Zealand

What is that statement in response to? Did someone ask specifically about her involvement with H&M?

I’m assuming she’s clarifying that H&M were not part of it when she signed up, so she’s not considered to be ‘on their side’.

She wants to remain neutral as far as UK relations go, due to her political role.

Sounds smart to me, no one wants to be dragged into a row that doesn’t concern them

Seems like it was in response to journalist questions.

Guessing she wants the focus to remain on the project, and not be detracted by the hoo-ha

Yes the statement was a wise move, very diplomatic.

The NZ Herald ran an article titled "Jacinda Ardern blindsided by Harry and Meghan Netflix doco - has not spoken with Duke and Duchess about it".

It is in relation to an interview that Ardern did for a program called Live to Lead back in 2019. Harry and Meghan are now presenting this for Netflix. Ardern is making it clear that she is not 'siding' with Harry and Meghan over King Charles, according to the article.

Ardern is unpopular now and facing an election next year - she doesn't want to be seen as sympathising with Harry and Meghan when they are also so unpopular.

NZ is also an overseas realm, so King Charles lll is head of state. I can see why she'd not want to be associated with the Harkles after their recent shenanigans.

Your point about her being unpopular is interesting. Ardern's interview was recorded 3 years ago, which is such a long time in politics. Greta Thunberg also seems a bit 'last season'. I wonder why this project never made it to the airwaves before now? It seems a bit stale.

Erm?

You quite obviously didn’t. You couldn’t even get her name right.

Gosh, if ‘clutching at straws’ was ever a post, this would be it. Do you literally trawl the daily Mail for negative stories on Harry and Meghan?

I hadn't realised that the Sussexes were just repackaging existing interviews.

Did they actually make any of substance of the series themselves?

@WavingCatpaw

I know!

Arden Ardern

I am sure the Nelson Mandela Foundation will drop her I don’t think parliamentary democracy works like that. She’s a Prime Minister, not a celeb.

momentarily Do you know what momentarily means?

I think this is a really interesting story in itself, and not necessarily indicative of trawling for negative content about Harry and Meghan.

First of all it is interesting that Netflix have repackaged(?) old interviews into a new show for Harry and Meghan. Are Netflix determined to get what value they can from the Sussexes? It is also interesting that it will be released on NYE when presumably no one will be watching.

It is also interesting that the PM of a Commonwealth country, when Harry and Meghan's docuseries was so disparaging of the Commonwealth, has so explicitly stated that her interview had, at the time, nothing to do with Harry and Meghan.

Is Ardern seeking to distance herself from Netflix, or Harry and Meghan, or both, I wonder?

Ardern, while currently unpopular, is a canny politician. If association with Harry and Meghan and/or Netflix would enhance her reputation, you can be sure that she would attempt to capitalise on it. The fact that she hasn't speaks volumes.

I hadn't realised that the Sussexes were just repackaging existing interviews.

Ruth Bader-Ginsburg died over 2 years ago, so clearly not a recent interview there. I don't think there's any pretence that these are recent.

I don't think it's them repackaging it - it sounds like Netflix were making this with the Mandela Foundation and thought H&M would be a good choice to front it.

What does executive producer mean in this context? I don’t get how it all works.

I know that production companies buy ready made projects and then distribute them quite often, but not sure if this is a NF project, an Archewell one or what?

Its interesting though, are H&M a political ‘hot potato’ now?

I wonder if this will be a thing going forward, where people may be weary of working with them, so to be seen as ‘neutral’

I was wondering about the whole H&M political hot potato, too, and the potential for this seems to be gaining traction.

Harry and Meghan's 'documentary' (not this new one) explicitly and implicitly criticises the Head of State of many Commonwealth countries, and this places the PMs of these nations in some conflict, especially for those on the left, like Adern. Many citizens won't like it if they openly side against the RF and KC, but more progressive voters are more open to H&Ms message. It places politicians like Ardern in a awkward position.

They have also offended other nations (Gabon, and South Africa).

Rishi Sunak has now declared Britain to not be a racist country overall (not that he has the last word, but he is in a position to have a valid perspective).

There has been not a word of support from the Obamas or Bidens lately.

It may be the case that more political leaders seek to distance themselves from H&M and it will be interesting to observe what happens. I've always found the political implications of H&Ms departure to be the most fascinating element, although the more personal, familial fallout is fascinating too.They are the gift that keeps on giving 🙂

Yep, she’s PM of a Constitutional Monarchy. She’s doing her job properly.

I hadn't realised that the Sussexes were just repackaging existing interviews.
me too, first I thought wait ,Ruth Bader died in sep2020, during COVID , from complications of cancer. No way they could have interviewed her at that time, they signed with Netflix in September too, hardly think they rushed to RB for an interview straight away.

and good on Jacinda for clarifying this too, she’s one shrewd and strong lady .

if Netflix think they can slap an H&M sticker on anything thinking it will help them sell , then they really must believe their viewers are all dumb,

I think Netflix are just trying to get their money’s worth before quietly parting company.
Releasing something on 31st December isn’t likely to have a huge audience .
Interesting that it has taken over 3 years to air this.