Why Jacinda Ardern could be ousted as New Zealand prime minister as her unpopularity at home grows

Jacinda Ardern could be ousted as New Zealand’s prime minister after one term, according to recent poll results.

The Labour leader has been praised across the world for acting on issues of climate change, social justice, equality and how she handled the Christchurch terror attack and White Island tragedy last year.

But Ms Ardern’s support on home soil has appeared to take a hit as Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is increasingly facing scrutiny.

Ms Arden has not criticised or questioned the leader of governing coalition partner New Zealand First, who is currently wrapped up in a donations scandal.

The Electoral Commission suggested donations received by the party’s fundraising foundation should have been declared and have taken the investigation to police. 

After revelations that several donors to the foundation – best understood as a legal loophole to New Zealand’s electoral donation regime – were from the racing industry, Mr Peters – also minister for racing – stood accused of major conflict of interest perceptions. 

Ms Ardern’s support on home soil has appeared to take a hit as Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters (left) is increasingly being called out for his political practices

The rough-and-tumble is nothing new for Mr Peters, who was first elected to parliament in 1979, and often described as a maverick.

But his conduct is increasingly at odds with Ms Ardern’s pledge for ‘relentless positivity’ and transparency.

The chaos plays into the hands of opposition leader Simon Bridges, who has ruled out any post-election deals with NZ First in an attempt to win over Kiwis sick of Mr Peters’ behaviour. 

Ms Ardern told Radio New Zealand she was not in charge of NZ First and the Greens, which form part of the coalition. 

‘These aren’t matters that I have any responsibility for,’ she said. 

‘I’m the leader of the Labour Party, I had nothing to do with this and I’m not going to stand here and explain it or defend it because it’s not for me.

‘I cannot run both a government and three political parties.’

While Ms Ardern remains as preferred prime minister in the polls, a 1 News poll indicates growing support for a National-led coalition. 

New Zealand go to the polls on September 19.  

Ms Arden has not criticised or questioned the leader of the minor party New Zealand First, who is currently wrapped up in a donations scandal. The Electoral Commission suggested donations received by the party’s fundraising foundation should have been declared and have taken the investigation to police