New Zealand’s Labour Party, led by Jacinda Ardern, is facing the potential loss of power in the upcoming elections. Three years ago, Ardern’s party enjoyed a landslide victory and widespread support from the public, creating a phenomenon known as Jacinda-mania. However, the energy and enthusiasm that surrounded Ardern’s previous campaigns seem to have waned, leaving the country unsure about the future of its leadership.
On October 14, New Zealanders will head to the polls to choose between Chris Hipkins, the center-left Labour leader, and Christopher Luxon, the center-right opposition leader and former CEO of Air New Zealand. The stakes are high as the nation’s five million people grapple with the challenges of rising interest rates and a soaring cost of living, which has led to reports of an increase in crime. In fact, a September poll by Freshwater Strategy revealed that 63% of New Zealanders believe the country is on the wrong track.
Both candidates have made promises to address these issues and win over voters. Hipkins has pledged to remove the goods and services tax on fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables to alleviate pressure on household budgets and provide free dental care for individuals under 30. On the other hand, Luxon’s National Party is vowing to tackle crime and deliver tax cuts funded by a levy on foreigners buying property.
Despite these campaign promises, neither candidate has been able to capture the same level of enthusiasm and support that Ardern garnered in previous elections. Polls indicate that almost a third of voters remain undecided, suggesting that Hipkins and Luxon have failed to make a significant impact with the electorate.
Retiree David Gillespie, reflecting on the subdued mood of this year’s election, noted that the excitement and nationwide cheering that accompanied Ardern’s victory in 2017 is noticeably absent. Ardern’s global presence and media coverage during her tenure as prime minister, which included being one of the first world leaders to govern while pregnant, may have made her an international icon. However, domestically, people have grown tired of her.
Before Ardern’s resignation in January 2023, her party consistently polled below the National opposition, experiencing a decline in support of more than 20 percentage points. Even Ardern’s successor, Hipkins, seems to be distancing himself from his former leader. During the first election debate in September, when asked which of his predecessors he respected the most, Hipkins mentioned Ardern, but also named former Labour prime minister Helen Clark, indicating a broader range of leaders deserving his respect.
The lack of ardor for both candidates has left some voters struggling to find excitement in the upcoming election. Retail worker Donna Forsman expressed her difficulty in choosing and admitted that she is likely to vote for Labour again. It is clear that Ardern’s resignation has had an impact on voters, with some stating that her absence has changed their voting intentions.
On the campaign trail, Luxon has been met with warm but not overly enthusiastic greetings from voters. Some have expressed their support for him due to concerns over rising crime, while others believe Labour may still have lost the government even if Ardern had remained. However, they acknowledge that Ardern’s persuasive abilities would have likely made a difference if she were still in office.
The upcoming election in New Zealand will determine the course of the country’s future. While the Jacinda-mania of previous years has diminished, the choice between Hipkins and Luxon remains undetermined for many voters. The outcome of the election will determine who will lead the nation and address the pressing issues faced by its citizens.
