World leaders and politicians have sent their congratulations to Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern, with many taking the opportunity to mention their close ties to New Zealand and wanting to maintain a close relationship.
Stepping into government, thanks to the backing last night from Winston Peters' NZ First, brings the left out of the cold of opposition for the first time in nine years.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement upon hearing the news of the result, stating he is looking "forward to working very closely with Ms. Ardern."
Jacinda Ardern talks to Breakfast just hours after finding out she had been propelled into power.
"We have the opportunity to bring our two countries even closer together as we tackle the common issues that face both Canadians and New Zealanders," Trudeau said.
"Whether it is addressing climate change or deepening trade relationships that create real benefits for everyone, Canada and New Zealand have a great deal to share and learn from each other.
"We already cooperate closely at the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum, and we will continue to look for new opportunities to make our relationship even stronger."
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spoke to Ms Ardern on the phone overnight and the pair reaffirmed the strength of Australia and New Zealand ties.
Also across the ditch, Australian Labor Party leader Bill Shorten took the time to post a message to Ms Adern on Facebook, sharing a photo of the smiling Prime Minister-elect.
"Jacinda brought extraordinary energy to the Labour leadership and campaigned passionately for inclusive, progressive policies, founded on universal Labo(u)r values," he said.
"In electing their third woman to serve as Prime Minister, New Zealanders have again provided an inspiration for women and girls around the world.
"More than a century after the first Anzacs fought and fell together, Australia and New Zealand’s friendship is stronger than ever.
"My team and I look forward to building and strengthening the connection between our two nations – and I trust the Government shares this commitment."
After a tense start to the relationship between Australia's Foreign Minster Julie Bishop and Ms Ardern, Ms Bishop said she looks forward to working with her.
The new Labour leader caps a meteoric rise to power by speaking after being anointed NZ's next PM.
In August, Ms Bishop accused the New Zealand Labour Party of interfering and undermining her government as questions were raised over Deputy Prime Mister Barnaby Joyce's Kiwi citizenship.
When asked if she could trust Ms Ardern after Mr Peters made his decision, Ms Bishop avoided giving a straight yes or no answer.
Instead she said, "the fact is, Ms Ardern gave an explanation a couple of months ago about the behaviour of a New Zealand member of the Labour Party and she said at the time his conduct was wrong, it was unacceptable, it should never of happened and that he shouldn't have become involved."
"I accepted her explanation and I agree with her absolutely."
Former Prime Minster of Australia, Julia Gillard, tweeted, "Congrats to Jacinda Ardern and the NZ Labour team. After many nail-biting days, a great result!."
Even the Netflix series, House of Cards, took to Twitter to welcome Ardern "to the top of the food chain."
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