Ardern stays away as Labour fights NZ election without her

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 00:20 · Archive

Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern will not campaign or visit New Zealand ahead of the 7 November election, despite remaining the country's most popular politician.

Jacinda Ardern, who served as New Zealand prime minister from 2017 to 2023, will not campaign or visit New Zealand before the election on 7 November. Instead, she is scheduled to be in Hobart delivering a keynote address at a medical conference. Ardern now lives in Sydney, where she recently became a University of Sydney professor alongside her work as a speaker and leadership consultant.

According to a 2025 poll, Ardern remains New Zealand's most-liked politician, with a positive net approval rating of +10 (45 per cent favour, 35 per cent against). Her successor as Labour leader, Chris Hipkins, sits at -8, whilst Prime Minister Chris Luxon is at -30. Despite her popularity, Labour has kept distance from her during the campaign.

Hipkins told AAP that Ardern has chosen to step back from New Zealand politics. 'She's not engaged in the New Zealand space,' he said. 'As a friend, I still talk to her from time to time ... it's more exchanging messages about the kids.' Ardern did contribute a fundraising email with a video message for Labour in October, which performed well according to a Labour insider.

Ardern stays away as Labour fights NZ election without her — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

The Jacinda Ardern-shaped shadow over the NZ electionJacinda Ardern and Labour are spending the NZ election campaign at arm's length, which seems to suit both parties - and the Kiwis that Labour needs to win over.The West Australian · 27 Oct, 23:49
The Jacinda Ardern-shaped shadow over the NZ electionJacinda Ardern and Labour are spending the NZ election campaign at arm's length, which seems to suit both parties - and the Kiwis that Labour needs to win over.Perth Now · 27 Oct, 23:49

In this story: Jacinda Ardern · Chris Hipkins · Chris Luxon · Labour · New Zealand · Sydney · Hobart

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