New Zealanders vote in general election, with polls indicating they favor a conservative change

By NICK PERRY
Associated Press

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealanders began voting in a general election Saturday, with opinion polls indicating they favor a conservative change after six years of a liberal government led for most of that time by Jacinda Ardern. Ardern unexpectedly stepped down in January, saying she no longer had “enough in the tank” to do the job justice. Her departure left Chris Hipkins, who had previously served as education minister and led the response to the coronavirus pandemic, to take over as prime minister. Polling indicates Hipkins’ conservative rival, Christopher Luxon remains in the best position to become the nation’s next prime minister when voting closes Saturday night.