PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after Coronavirus returns in New Zealand
The centre-left leader, after spending the weekend consulting with party leaders and the Electoral Commission, chose October 17, the earliest delayed date available to her.
The centre-left leader, after spending the weekend consulting with party leaders and the Electoral Commission, chose October 17, the earliest delayed date available to her.
Ardern said the sacrifices made by New Zealanders, including a drastic seven-week lockdown that helped curb infection rates, had been rewarded now that there were no active cases in the country.
Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said, the milestone was 'really good news and an achievement the whole of New Zealand could take heart from.'
"Together we can express our sorrow for those who have died and been hurt and our support for their grieving families and friends", Ardern added.
In the most serious scandal Ardern has faced since she took office in late 2017, the centre-left leader admitted "mistakes were made" after a Labour Party volunteer accused a senior party staffer of assault last year.
