National also gets boost from ‘Jacinda effect’

The “Jacinda effect” is changing the political landscape in New Zealand - at least in dollar terms.

Within a day of becoming opposition leader, Jacinda Ardern had attracted new volunteers and $250,000 worth of donations to the Labour party.

But the effect isn’t limited to her party.

National campaign chairman, Steven Joyce, told the NZ Herald after Ms Ardern’s elevation he sent an email asking for donations and received over $100,000 in a day.

According to the Young Nats president, Stefan Sunde, the change in opposition leader has kicked the Government’s supporters into action.

“Since Jacinda became leader, a lot of our supporters both young and old have looked at themselves and said, ‘If I want to see National re-elected then I have to get off my arse and do something now’.”

Mr Sunde said the upsurge in support went beyond just an increase in donations.

“Volunteers, people willing to do things, people giving x hours a day . . . across every single one of those areas we’ve seen an uptick on our side because our supporters all feel it’s a bit more game on than it was three weeks ago.

“There is a perception out there that the game has changed. It’s going to be a tighter election.”

Senior lecturer in politics at the University of Auckland Dr Stephen Winter said the competiveness between the two main parties was good news for the health of New Zealand’s democracy.

“Competitive elections can be good for the political system as a whole because it brings people in to engage in politics.”

This increase in public engagement can be “sticky”.

“If you vote, you're more likely to vote again. If you join a party and get involved in these sorts of things, you're more likely to do it again. This kind of stuff can be habit forming.”

Dr Winter said that regardless of which party won, having a stronger polling Labour party was good for the political system.

“Even if she loses, having a strong opposition is a good thing in a political system.

"They are more effective in the workings of Parliament. Operating on select committees and so on, [they are] more credible in the eyes of the public.”