Jacinda Ardern becomes New Zealand's most popular prime minister after COVID-19 response: Poll

New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern has become the most popular prime minister of the country in a century, as per a poll conducted by Newshub-Reid Research. The surge in her approval rating has been due to her coronavirus response that has made the country most successful in containing the spread. 

The public polls were conducted for the first time since coronavirus hit the country. 

According to the polls, Ardern's Labour party saw a jump of 14 points to 56.5 per cent. This is the highest for any party ever, whereas, Nationals, despite being the biggest party in the parliament saw a fall of 12.7 points to 30.6 per cent. 

These polls were conducted between May 8 and May 16 and half of the reactions were taken after the federal budget on Thursday. 

Ardern remained on the top of the list as preferred prime minister with 59.5 per cent, which is the highest score for any leader in the Reid Research poll's history.

The poll was based on public sentiments after level three lockdown. The shutdown earned massive support of 92 per cent where people thought it was the right call.

The country has eased up its lockdown since late April after a month under strict "level 4" lockdown. But has continued to enforce strict social measures on many of its citizens and businesses, helping prevent widespread community spread of the virus.

New Zealand has reopened most of the businesses including malls, cinemas, cafes and gyms on May 14. 

The Kiwis like to call it the "Jacinda-mania."

New Zealand is nearing a victory against coronavirus after seeing a sharp decrease in cases. The country has a total of 1,499 cases and over 21 deaths as compared to the global toll of 4.7 million cases and 315,000 deaths.