Spouse of the prime minister of New Zealand
The spouse of the prime minister of New Zealand, or partner of the prime minister of New Zealand (when unmarried), is the wife/husband (spouse) or domestic partner of the New Zealand prime minister. She or he is the hostess or host of Premier House. It is not an official office and, as such, they are not given a salary or official duties. The 23rd prime minister, Michael Joseph Savage, was a bachelor during his term, but otherwise, until the tenure of the 36th prime minister, Jenny Shipley, the post had always  been filled by a woman; Burton Shipley was Jenny Shipley's husband. The current prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, is unmarried; her partner (since May 2019, fiancé) is radio personality Clarke Gayford. Current. The current domestic partner of the prime minister of New Zealand is Clarke Gayford; his partner, Jacinda Ardern, became the prime minister on 26 October 2017. There are currently eight living spouses of former prime ministers of New Zealand: The most recent spouse of a New Zealand prime minister to die was Dame Thea Muldoon, (widow of Sir Robert Muldoon, ), on 24 February 2015. Role. The prime minister 's spouse has no official duties. Some earlier spouses stayed mainly at home and took little part in public life. However, most recent prime ministers' spouses have been involved in charities or community organisations, working to raise public awareness, funds, and support for a range of causes. They generally assist their partners in political campaigns, and participate in official duties that come with the position, such as hosting foreign dignitaries, and, in particular, entertaining the spouses of dignitaries; accompanying the prime minister on national and international trips; and attending conferences and functions. They have attended the opening of Parliament; hosted  visitors at Premier House; visited Buckingham Palace, the White House, or the Japanese Imperial Palace; and been present at royal coronations and conferences. Official recognition. Some prime ministers' spouses have received official recognition for their services to the community with a damehood: Muldoon was the first spouse of a prime minister to be provided with an official secretary for dealing with her correspondence. List of spouses. Domestic partner; engaged since May 2019. <nowiki>*</nowiki> Incumbent's length of tenure last updated: .