New Zealand PM Ardern sets Sept 19 as election date

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday called an election for Sep. 19. Ardern's centre-left Labor Party-led coalition came to power in 2017 and is seeking a second term. Ardern's 2017 campaign focusing on positive messaging and connecting directly with voters unexpectedly brought her coalition to power. The 39-year-old leader has since won praise globally for her views on issues such as women's rights, climate change and diversity. She was widely commended for swiftly tightening gun laws following a mass shooting in two Christchurch mosques last year.