Inflation and lockdowns hurt New Zealand's ruling party in polls

Once a COVID success story, PM Ardern's camp trails opposition ahead of 2023 election

20220822N Ardern

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's support has dropped off considerably since 2021. © Reuters

FUMI MATSUMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

SYDNEY -- New Zealand's ruling Labour Party and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern are bleeding public support as dissatisfaction with high inflation and prolonged coronavirus controls batter the vital tourism industry.

The latest 1News Kantar Public Poll released this month showed support for Labour among likely voters lagging the main opposition National Party for a third straight survey, at 33% to the National Party's 37%.

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