Local Elections Show Shift To Right Amid Widespread Vote For Change

Centre-left candidates underperformed in New Zealand's local elections held over the weekend, lending credence to the trend shown in national opinion polls, whereby voters are flowing to centre-right opposition parties at the expense of the ruling Labour Party.

• The results were all but devastating for progressive candidates. Efeso Collins lost the Auckland mayoral race, despite his strong showing in opinion polls and endorsements from the Labour and Green Parties, as pro-business independent Wayne Brown clinched victory. Labour MP Paul Eagle came fourth in the Wellington election. While the Greens' Tory Whanau won in the capital, it was the only major victory for the centre-left.
• Observers pointed to strong performance of anti-establishment candidates. Coupled with a record-low turnout, it suggests that the protest mood is strong among New Zealand voters. Even successful partisan candidates, such as Whanau of the Green Party, campaigned on the "platform of change," which is believed to have boosted their results.
• Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern dismissed allegations that the election results were indicative of nationwide sentiment, as "local government moves in its own rhythms across the country." Admittedly, local elections have much lower turnout than general elections and it remains an open question whether mainstream opposition parties will manage to lure more disgruntled voters.