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Ardern delayed as plane breaks down in Antarctica

Jacinda Ardern talks to reporters on a farm visit to announce the government's proposals to tackle climate change earlier this month
Jacinda Ardern talks to reporters on a farm visit to announce the government's proposals to tackle climate change earlier this month

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has had to spend an extra night at the country's research station in Antarctica after the military aircraft she was meant to be travelling back to New Zealand on broke down.

Ms Ardern has been in Antarctica meeting with the country's scientists and visiting the sites of historical importance while promoting the need for co-operation in the region.

A spokeswoman for the prime minister said that Ms Ardern and those travelling with her are due to return on Saturday on an Italian C-13 Hercules military aircraft.

Ms Ardern flew on a US military plane to Antarctica after her first flight had to turn back midflight due to bad weather.

New Zealand is one of seven countries, including Australia, France and Chile, with a territorial claim to Antarctica.