A "golden oldie", Mr Langton said he had been a Labour supporter since he was 7 and a member since 14. He chaired the party's electoral committee for the Bay of Plenty and had been pleased with the high calibre of young people coming into the party.
"Jacinda is a good choice and she will lead the party well. She is dynamic and has the sort of qualities we need in a leader."
Also a fan was Labour's candidate for Tauranga, Jan Tinetti, who called Ms Ardern "Prime Minister material".
Ms Tinetti said Ms Ardern was an intelligent "people-person" who was well prepared for the leadership position.
"She can see things from all perspectives. She's got the appeal for all ages and ethnicities.
"I am really sad in one respect because Andrew Little has not got the breakthrough into the electorate so people can see the marvellous person he is. The integrity he gave to this party is incredible.
"What we need to do is get past the sensationalism so people can see our policies."
Bay of Plenty Labour candidate Angie Warren-Clark was sad to see Mr Little step down but admired how he had put his ego aside to do what was best for the party.
"I hope this is the end of this messy little change so we can get back to winning the vote."
"Jacinda and Kelvin will be a dynamic and awesome leadership team. The Labour Party is 50 per cent women and 25 per cent Maori so they really reflect the face of the Labour Party today.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges did not think Labour's woes were over, saying the party's issues ran deeper than the leadership.
"The National-led Government is focused on its own campaign and continuing to deliver for all New Zealanders."
His Bay of Plenty counterpart MP Todd Muller said it was pretty late in the piece to be changing leaders, but it was up to the party to do what they thought was best.
"It does not change anything for me. I will be focusing on what I am doing in the Bay and putting my best foot forward.
"The key in this privileged job is to focus on yourself and do the best you can."
He believed people voted for policy over personality.
"I think when people go to vote, it is about policies and what they think are the best policies for their families."
He said it was now a wait and see game for Jacinda Ardern. "She has got to hit the ground running and put her best foot forward."
Tauranga Green Party candidate Emma-Leigh Hodge thought the leadership change would be "energising" for the campaign.
"I think this is a really exciting time."
"Jacinda will be a fantastic leader. She has empathy and relatability, and I know she is a popular MP and has been a popular deputy leader. In saying that I think Andrew Little has done a great job."
NZ First list MP in Tauranga Clayton Mitchell declined to comment.