Analysis
The statement matches the transcript of the April 10 2020 interview titled “New Zealand’s COVID‑19 response: ‘We went hard and we went early’” published on CNN’s website. In the interview, Ardern explicitly uses those exact words when describing the early lockdown measures. Multiple reputable news outlets cited the same quote when reporting on New Zealand’s pandemic response at that time.
Background
In March 2020, New Zealand implemented one of the world’s strictest and earliest lockdowns to eliminate COVID‑19 transmission. The approach was praised internationally for its clarity and rapid action. Ardern’s communication emphasized certainty for citizens to ensure compliance and confidence in the government’s plan.
Verdict summary
Jacinda Ardern did say, “We went hard, and we went early. We gave people certainty,” in a CNN interview in April 2020 about New Zealand’s COVID‑19 elimination strategy.