New Zealand PM Ardern Announces Shock Resignation

"It's about time. She's wrecked the economy and food prices have skyrocketed," said Esther Hedges from Cambridge on New Zealand's north island.

"I'm not happy with her and I don't know anyone who is," the 65-year-old added.

Christina Sayer, 38, said Ardern was "the best prime minister we have had".

"I like the type of person she is and she cares about people. I'm sorry to see her go."

The stress of the job has been evident, with Ardern showing a rare lapse of poise last month when she was unwittingly caught calling an opposition politician an "arrogant prick".

New Zealand actor and Hollywood veteran Sam Neill said Ardern was frequently targeted by social media "bullies".

"She deserved so much better," he said in an online statement.

A new leader

New Zealand will choose its next prime minister in a general election held on October 14, Ardern announced.

She said she would continue to serve as an electorate MP until then.

Her departure leaves a void at the top of the Labor party, with her deputy Grant Robertson swiftly ruling out a tilt at the leadership.

Although recent polls indicate a center-right coalition will likely win the election, Ardern said that was not the reason for her resignation.

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"I am not leaving because I believe we cannot win the next election, but because I believe we can and will," she said.

"I am leaving because with such a privileged job comes a big responsibility. The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead – and also when you're not."