(20.8.2017) Labour, which slumped to its worst defeat since 1922 at the last election in 2014, is seeking to return from the political wilderness and prevent the ruling National Party from winning a rare fourth term in office. Ardern has revitalized her left-leaning party since taking the helm three weeks ago, boosting its support to the strongest in nine years. If she can secure victory, the 37-year-old would become New Zealand’s youngest prime minister since 1856.