Labour supporters or not, people the Chronicle spoke with on Victoria Avenue on Friday thought this year's election just got way more interesting with Jacinda Ardern becoming Labour Party leader. And they had strong views on her being quizzed about her future family plans, including motherhood.
Sharyn Pearce
Sharyn Pearce, chartered accountant
"I'msurprised that she took it on but I think that she will get quite a lot of support, particularly from women.
I'm surprised because if Labour isn't successful in the election she will be tainted by that, and because of her lack of experience. I don't think she'll get enough support to win the election and her potential coalition partners aren't looking good.
The change in leadership could influence the way I decide to vote. I probably wasn't going to vote Labour but now I might.
That (media questioning about whether Ms Ardern would have children and be able to be Prime Minister) is awful, it's wrong legally and why ask her that - they wouldn't ask a man."
Dawn Mason
Dawn Mason, retired
"I think it's brilliant that she's become leader. I don't think she can become Prime Minister because of the circumstances with the Greens. It's too early to say if I will vote for Labour as they haven't released their policies yet.
That question (about having children) was absolutely stupid."
Rachel Burroughs
Rachel Burroughs, student
"The change (in leadership) is cool. I think she will do a better job than Andrew Little. I'm quite impressed with a woman leading the party. I'm still going to vote for the party I was going to vote for. I don't think she can become Prime Minister.
The baby question shouldn't even be asked. So what? It was wrong asking her that."
Graeme Robb
Graeme Robb, self-employed
"I'm not sure if the leadership change is good but she's young and seems to know what she's doing. I like her better than (Prime Minister) Bill English. I'm not sure who I'm going to vote for but it won't be National. They are putting too much money into Auckland and ignoring other parts of the country that could do with help.
It's hard to say whether she could win the election as National is so far in front at the moment but if Labour gets their policies right then maybe. Winston Peters could make a good coalition partner.
I think asking her about babies is a fair question."
Mitchell Phillips
Mitchell Phillips, tannery worker
"I don't know much about what goes on in the Labour leadership but I think she's going to do a good job. I think she could become Prime Minister.
I haven't decided how I'm going to vote but the new leader could influence me.
I think she had a good answer to the babies question as she has a strong mind."
Ron Johnston
Ron Johnston, retired
"I don't support Labour but I think the leadership change is probably a good thing for them. She needs to step up to the mark, especially with the Greens leader (Metiria Turei) at the moment.
I'd like her to stamp her authority on the Greens. Labour needs to change their policies - it's not a matter of leadership but they're working with policies that are maybe 50 years old. I haven't decided how I'm going to vote but (the leadership change) makes politics interesting.
She won't be Prime Minister this time, but maybe in the future.
