New Zealand has erupted in goodwill following the surprise pregnancy announcement of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Friday.
But political commentators have told SBS News it means 2018 - which was already shaping up as a definitive year for Ms Ardern - just got a little busier for her.
Ms Ardern is currently leading the coalition government that was only formed in October 2017.
The three parties involved - Ms Ardern's Labour, New Zealand First and the Greens - clash on several key policy points such as immigration numbers.
"Even before (this announcement), Ms Ardern had a lot on her plate to manage the three-way coalition," University of Auckland academic Mark Boyd told SBS News.
"And with the shutdown over the Christmas holidays, there have only been two months to see how this coalition government operates... The real work will start this year," he said.
But Mr Boyd said there had been "no signs of fractures or tensions" yet and that Ms Ardern is an "incredibly hardworking person, a classic multitasker" who can manage the three parties.
Winston wildcard?
Ms Ardern said on Friday that she will take six weeks off when the baby is born, meaning that Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters from the New Zealand First party will take over duties.
Mr Peters and his party promote an anti-immigration, protectionist, populist policy platform that has attracted some comparisons with Pauline Hanson's One Nation in Australia.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters will be Acting Prime Minister while Jacinda Ardern in on leave. Source: AP
"Winston Peters is a bit mercurial and a bit of a wildcard," Mr Boyd said, adding there had been bemusement on social media about him running the country.
"Some are worried about 'grumpy grandpa' Winston taking over when the baby arrives."
But Mr Boyd said that Mr Peter's track record was surprisingly responsible when it came to acting in a position of power such as cabinet member or deputy, as he has done previously.
"There's nothing to indicate - past or present - that he will run the government off the rails," Mr Boyd said.
After six weeks of leave, Ms Ardern said that partner Clarke Gayford will be a stay-at-home dad.
A country of 'trailblazers'
Public law specialist and political commentator Linda Clark told SBS News that Ms Ardern's 2018 was already full of "big challenges" such as addressing issues in the health system, youth employment and balancing the budget.
Additionally, the government had announced a "huge program of policy changes and initiatives".
But Ms Clark said that Friday's news will embolden Ms Ardern and New Zealand more generally.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford speak to the media January 19, 2018 in Auckland. Source: Getty
"Yes, there will be some more conservative voices – we've seen a bit already on social media – thinking you can’t do both (motherhood and politics)," Ms Clark said.
"But generally... There's a strong sense in New Zealand that we are trailblazers and this is another way we can be trailblazers."
"New Zealanders' feel proud about social progress."
"There's one thing from looking at social media this afternoon that I find so fascinating. Women in their late 20s and 30s (in particular) are celebrating. They see (Jacinda) as a real role model who is rocking gender stereotypes. There's such excitement."
She said the new government was already "highly energized and riding a wave of a lot of goodwill" and that this announcement will likely mean the "honeymoon goes on."
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