Australia-New Zealand divisions exposed as Ardern takes tougher stance

The new Labour-led government is ready to take on its bigger and brasher neighbour over immigration and education

As the New Zealand coalition government begins to take the reins, there are questions arising about how the generally close relationship with Australia will be affected after 10 years of relative stability between the two nations.

Jacinda Ardern, due to be sworn in as prime minister on Thursday, said visiting Australia “as soon as possible” would be a priority for her, after tensions between the New Zealand Labour party and the Australian government emerged during the campaign.

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