Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern says she believes New Zealand may become a republic within her lifetime. In comments attributed to Ardern, the former leader, who is now 45, points to what she says are public expectations among many New Zealanders. The reporting describes Ardern as having led the country as its youngest prime minister in more than a century, taking office at age 37 in 2017, and later leaving the role. The articles state that Ardern frames the idea of a republic as part of the future direction she thinks many people in New Zealand anticipate. The coverage does not present detailed policy proposals or specific timelines, focusing instead on Ardern’s personal view and the perceived shift in public opinion. Overall, the reports characterize the statement as reflecting momentum or interest around constitutional change rather than announcing government action, legislation, or formal steps toward a republic.