Across the pond, New Zealand’s election has seen a massive movement towards Labor. As early as last month the National Party-led conservative coalition under the leadership of New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English looked to be in dominant form. English has garnished a reputation over the years for fiscally sound governance, having led the country with both a surplus and an unemployment rate of under five percent. However, a change of leadership in Labor to the charismatic Jacinda Ardern has signalled a meteoric rise in the polls. Some say the 37-year-old is channeling the left wing populist spirit of Jeremy Corbyn with big promises resulting in what’s been called ‘Ardernmania’.   

The Daily was joined by Terry Barnes, former senior advisor to the Howard government to chat about this resurgence.