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Top| 7/16/2026, 7:12:00 AM

Celebrity Surprise: Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Delights Staff at Berry Newsagency

Celebrity Surprise: Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Delights Staff at Berry Newsagency

In a heartwarming display of humility and kindness, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern surprised the staff at Berry Newsagency with a visit, leaving a lasting impression on the small town. The newsagency, owned by Tammy O'Keefe, has become a hub for celebrities and public figures, with the likes of Garry McDonald, Ray Martin, Andrew Johns, and Shane Flanagan having walked through its doors in the past.

On Monday, July 13, Ms O'Keefe was thrilled to see Ms Ardern browsing through the store, exclaiming, 'Oh my goodness, you have my book.' The book in question was Ms Ardern's new title, 'What If You Could?', which has been making waves in literary circles. Ms O'Keefe, who admitted to getting starstruck when celebrities visit her store, had the opportunity to chat with Ms Ardern and found her to be 'lovely' and 'incredibly warm, genuine, and generous with her time'.

During their conversation, Ms Ardern revealed that she was living in Sydney but had traveled to Kiama to visit friends and had made her first trip to Berry. She was smitten with the town's beauty and charm, saying it was 'absolutely beautiful' and that she 'loved it.' The visit was a testament to Berry's reputation as a haven for those seeking a peaceful and welcoming environment, where celebrities can blend in and enjoy the simple things in life.

The signed copies of Ms Ardern's book were quickly snapped up by customers, who were thrilled to own a piece of history. For Ms O'Keefe and her staff, the visit was a highlight of their year, and a reminder of the power of kindness and humility. As Ms O'Keefe noted, 'At the end of the day, they're just human beings,' emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their status or fame.

Berry's appeal to celebrities can be attributed to its carefree and laid-back atmosphere, where they can walk down the street without being mobbed by fans or paparazzi. The town's charm and natural beauty have made it a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Berry is the perfect haven for anyone looking to unwind and recharge.

The visit by Ms Ardern has put Berry on the map, showcasing its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. As the town continues to attract visitors from around the world, it remains committed to preserving its unique character and charm. For Ms O'Keefe and her staff, the visit was a reminder of the importance of community and the power of kindness, and a testament to the enduring appeal of Berry as a destination for those seeking a truly unique experience.

In the world of celebrity news, it's not often that we get to see public figures in a more relaxed and informal setting. However, Ms Ardern's visit to Berry Newsagency has given us a glimpse into the life of a former head of state, and reminded us that even the most prominent figures can be humble, kind, and genuinely warm. As we look to the future, it's clear that Berry will continue to be a hub for creativity, community, and connection, where people from all walks of life can come together and experience the best of what this special town has to offer.

The legacy of Ms Ardern's visit will be felt for a long time, and her book, 'What If You Could?', will serve as a reminder of the power of imagination, creativity, and determination. As we reflect on the visit, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, kindness, and compassion, and the impact that one person can have on the lives of others. For Berry, the visit has been a catalyst for growth, a reminder of the town's unique charm, and a testament to its enduring appeal as a destination for those seeking a truly unique experience.

In conclusion, the visit by Ms Ardern to Berry Newsagency has been a highlight of the year, and a reminder of the power of kindness, humility, and compassion. As we look to the future, it's clear that Berry will continue to be a hub for creativity, community, and connection, where people from all walks of life can come together and experience the best of what this special town has to offer. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Berry is the perfect haven for anyone looking to unwind and recharge, and a testament to the enduring appeal of small-town charm and character.

Summary Points

01

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern surprised the staff at Berry Newsagency with a visit, leaving a lasting impression on the small town.

02

Ms Ardern was in the town to visit friends and was spotted browsing through the newsagency, where she signed copies of her new book, 'What If You Could?'

03

The visit was a testament to Berry's reputation as a haven for those seeking a peaceful and welcoming environment, where celebrities can blend in and enjoy the simple things in life.

04

Berry's appeal to celebrities can be attributed to its carefree and laid-back atmosphere, where they can walk down the street without being mobbed by fans or paparazzi.

05

The visit by Ms Ardern has put Berry on the map, showcasing its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality.