Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has congratulated Australia PM-elect Anthony Albanese, saying she spoke with her counterpart early on Sunday morning.
Labor's Albanese defeated his conservative rival, Scott Morrison, on Saturday night, securing 72 seats with 60 percent of the vote counted. Morrison's Liberal-National coalition was only able to garner 55 seats, according to ABC projections.
"I spoke to Anthony Albanese early this morning as he was preparing to address his supporters," Ardern said. "It was a warm conversation and I'm really looking forward to formally meeting with him soon."
Ardern highlighted the significant relationship New Zealand and Australia had.
"Australia is our most important partner, our only official ally and single economic market relationship, and I believe our countries will work even more closely together in these tumultuous times," she said.
"I would also like to acknowledge the strong working relationship I had with Scott Morrison. I am confident that the close and unique relationship between New Zealand and Australia will continue under Mr Albanese's leadership."
In his victory speech on Saturday night, Albanese also acknowledged his rival, Morrison.
"Earlier tonight, Scott Morrison called me to congratulate myself and the Labor Party on our victory at the election," Albanese said. "Scott very graciously wished me well."
Albanese said Australians had "voted for change".
Governments and politicians from around the globe have also congratulated Albanese on his victory, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
