More popular abroad than in New Zealand but Jacinda Ardern is set for an emphatic general election victory

Lauded globally for her success in tackling coronavirus, some in Ms Arden’s home country remain sceptical, yet that should not stop her from claiming a second term, reports Jonathan Marshall in Auckland

New Zealand prime minister and Labour Party leader Jacinda Ardern has a selfie taken with supporters during a walkabout in central Christchurch (AP)

Polls, pundits and public opinion predict a sleepwalk to victory for New Zealand’s globally celebrated prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, in this weekend’s election.

After months of adoration on the back of her handling the coronavirus epidemic, the 40-year-old Labour Party leader has good reason to be confident.

Since August, she has averaged across five polls a 17-point lead on the rival National Party, which has had multiple leadership changes this year.