Jacinda Ardern Tops New Zealand Popularity Poll, September 17

Jacinda Ardern is trending in Australia and New Zealand after appearing on ABC iview’s Take 5 with Zan Rowe, where she discussed music’s role in her life and leadership. New polling released September 17 shows the former prime minister remains New Zealand’s most popular political figure, with 45% of voters viewing her favourably compared to just 35% unfavourably, outpacing all current party leaders including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Ardern dominates latest political popularity poll

A Post/Freshwater Strategy poll conducted with Infrastructure New Zealand tested voter sentiment on New Zealand’s political leaders. Ardern is the only figure tested who is viewed more favourably than unfavourably. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon fares worst with 54% unfavourable and 25% favourable. Labour leader Chris Hipkins sits at 30% favourable and 38% unfavourable, placing him 21 points ahead of Luxon on the approval measure.

Her standing barely shifted since leaving office

Ardern’s personal popularity has remained remarkably stable since she stepped down in January 2023. In August 2023, eight months after leaving office, 44% viewed her favourably and 40% unfavourably. Three years later, her favourable rating sits at 45% while her unfavourable rating has fallen to 35%. The data suggests voters have not soured on her despite her absence from politics.

Music shaped Ardern’s political identity

In her ABC appearance, Ardern revealed she had not anticipated needing to choose walkout music when she ran for prime minister in 2017. She selected ‘Stars’ by local band Shapeshifter, a drum and bass track that she believed was the first time the Labour Party Conference had been blasted with drum and bass. She is particular about the song’s timing, waiting for the drop before walking on stage. Music has been central to her life since childhood, shaping who she is today.

Younger voters and Māori show varied preferences

A Whakaata Māori-Curia poll of 1,000 Māori adults found Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, the 24-year-old Te Pāti Māori politician, captured 13% of overall preferred prime minister votes, rising to 19% among Māori roll voters. Chris Hipkins topped the list at 16%, with Ardern placing third at 9%. Among younger Māori voters, Maipi-Clarke emerged as the clear favourite, signalling generational change in political preferences.

Final Thoughts

Ardern’s enduring popularity three years after leaving office stands in sharp contrast to current New Zealand leaders, all of whom are viewed unfavourably by majorities. Her appearance on ABC and the new polling data suggest voters retain strong personal regard for her despite her absence from active politics.

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