Wellington | With a general election two weeks away, the shadow of Jacinda Ardern hangs heavily over the ruling Labour Party, which appears headed for defeat as New Zealand bears the long consequences of COVID-19.

In January, Ardern abruptly quit as prime minister. A week later there was a new national leader. Three months later she left parliament. Since her exit she has barely been in the media, she is not involved in politics, and has played a zero role in the Labour campaign. She is barely talked about by Labour. It’s remarkable considering she won the second-most belting victory since World War II in October 2020.