New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she won’t be seeking re-election.

Her term will end no later than February 7.

“This is the most privileged job anyone could ever have, but also one of the more challenging. You cannot and should not do it unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unexpected challenges,” she said.

Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen told Deborah Knight the news came as a surprise.

“It was a total bombshell for journalists in the gallery.

“It will be a very interesting next few days to see who will replace her.”

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Ms Ardern also announced a general election will be held on October 14.

Last month in New Zealand, support for Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister dropped slightly to 29 per cent.

Press PLAY below to hear why she says she won’t recontest 

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