Fifth Government (1999–2008) and opposition New Zealand Labour Party

helen clark, labour prime minister 1999 2008

after 1999 election, coalition government of labour , alliance took power, helen clark becoming new zealand s second female prime minister. government, while undertaking number of reforms, not particularly radical when compared previous labour governments, , maintained high level of popularity. alliance, however, fell in popularity , split internally, latter factor being 1 of reasons cited clark calling 2002 election several months early, labour comfortably won.

policies of fifth labour government include kiwisaver scheme, working families package, increasing minimum wage 5% year, interest-free student loans, creation of district health boards, introduction of number of tax credits, overhauling secondary school qualifications introducing ncea, , introduction of fourteen weeks’ parental leave. labour supported civil union act 2004, legalised civil unions same-sex , opposite-sex couples.

in 2004, labour came under attack policies on foreshore , seabed controversy. there significant internal tensions within party, culminating in resignation of junior minister tariana turia , establishment of new māori party.

party logo in 2008

following 2005 general election, labour formed coalition progressive party (a faction of old alliance), , entered complex confidence , supply agreements centrist united future , new zealand first parties, gave both parties leaders ministerial portfolio, while remaining outside cabinet. limited support agreement made green party, whereby policy concessions made greens in return abstention on confidence , supply votes. labour lost power when defeated national party in 2008 general election.

then-leader phil goff current leader jacinda ardern , carol beaumont @ anti-mining march in auckland, 2010

following loss national party in november 2008 election, helen clark stood down leader of party. succeeded phil goff (2008–2011). labour had relatively high turnover of 4 leaders during recent term in opposition; has been attributed in part changes within public media , political environment. goff led labour second electoral defeat in 2011 , succeeded david shearer (2011–2013). shearer resigned after losing confidence of caucus. david cunliffe (2013–2014) elected in 2013 leadership election. cunliffe disliked factions within labour caucus had strong support party membership. in leadership contest won first-preference votes one-third of labour mps. cunliffe resigned following further election loss in 2014. replaced andrew little (2014–2017). little resigned in 2017 following new polling showing party sinking record low result. jacinda ardern (2017–present) confirmed new labour leader.

after ardern s ascension leadership labour rose dramatically in opinion polls. late august had risen 43% in 1 poll (having been 24% under little s leadership), managing overtake national in opinion polls first time in on decade.