As the numbers rolled in throughout Saturday evening and Christopher Luxon's hopes of becoming Prime Minister set it, the world's media reported on the "former businessman" taking the win.
While special votes are yet to be counted, National and ACT currently could form a coalition government, forcing the Labour and Green parities back into the opposition benches.
The Guardian's rolling coverage's headline read "Right-leaning coalition poised to form government after Labour swept from power".
Associated Press reported "conservative former businessman Christopher Luxon" will be Aotearoa's next prime minister.
"Former businessman Christopher Luxon wins New Zealand election as voters seek conservative change," AP's website read.
The Daily Mail's headline dubbed Labour's result as a "devastating verdict on Jacinda Ardern years as New Zealand votes out Labour party in 'bloodbath' - as ex-Air New Zealand CEO becomes next PM".
"That result is a major repudiation of Labour's campaign for a third term under new leader Chris Hipkins, who succeeded Jacinda Ardern in January," the Daily Mail said.
CNN's headline said: "New Zealand shifts right as voters punish ruling party".
It reported New Zealand voters punished the government and took the country "rightwards nine months after" Labour leader Chris Hipkins' predecessor Jacinda Ardern resigned.
"New Zealand's National Party to lead new government as Labour concedes," read Reuters' headline.
Meanwhile The Sydney Morning Herald headed its story: "Conservative leader Chris Luxon becomes NZ's next prime minister".
The BBC reported: "National party's Chris Luxon claims victory".
"It marks a rapid elevation for Mr Luxon, who became an MP in 2020 and National leader only a year later," it said.
