Candidates to replace Jacinda Ardern to start making their bids

WELLINGTON — Candidates to replace Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand's prime minister after her shock resignation are expected to emerge on Friday (Jan 20) ahead of a leadership vote on Sunday.

Ms Ardern, 42, said on Thursday she had "no more in the tank" to continue leading the country, and would step down no later than early February and not seek re-election.

Mr Chris Hipkins, a minister in her government and a top contender for the job, told news organisation Newshub on Friday that he expected Labour lawmakers to reach consensus on a new candidate, but declined to say whether he planned to run.

"We do have a responsibility to make sure that we're making these decisions in the best interests of New Zealanders," he said. "They will absolutely know who the next leader is going to be as those conversations finally conclude."

If a candidate is unable to secure two thirds of the available votes on Sunday, the leadership contest will go to the wider membership.

Commentators point several Ardern ministers as possible candidates for the role, including Hipkins, the former Covid-19 minister and current Minister of Education and Police, and current Minister of Justice Kiri Allen.

Ms Ardern told media at Napier Airport on Friday that she intended to remain neutral during the election.

"I think the most important thing is that we focus on the process, it is swift, that (it) ensures that the team is able to move quickly back to focusing on the issues that matter for New Zealanders," she said.

She added she had no regrets about her decision to step down.

The winner will become prime minister until the next general election. Ms Ardern's term as leader will conclude no later than Feb 7 and a general election will be held on Oct. 14.

Labour has been struggling in the polls. A Taxpayers Union-Curia poll released Friday using data before Ardern stepped down saw Labour’s popularity fall to 31.7 per cent, down from 1.4 per cent last month, while the opposition New Zealand National Party holds 37.2 per cent of the vote. REUTERS