In reply to Phantom Disliker:
As ben b says, its more complex when you zoom in. My brother lives in a properly rural electorate here in NZ, and the gun laws, for example, are definitely not popular. The sector I'm in is seriously struggling due to the strict border closures, and there's an uncertain year ahead.
In the city, I've come across people who really dislike Jacinda, thinking she's not a 'serious' politician. She is different to the traditional politician and many do like this approach, me included. The way covid has been dealt with is great. But I think when you live here, if your business has been affected, or you're struggling, you don't think 'oh it could be worse, I could live in the UK/USA/ almost anywhere else', you want it to be better here in NZ.
Not sure how I've ended up giving a counterpoint. I'm pleased Labour are in power, and that there are 10 ish seats for the Green party (to the left of Labour). I hope we see real movement on the issues ben b talks about above, while keeping up the strong covid response.
The big talking points at the election party I was at last night were around the two referendums, results due in 2 weeks (end of life choices, and recreational cannabis use) . Everyone was more or less happy with the expected labour win, but there was much more disagreement/discussion on these.