Outgoing New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English conceded defeat in the country's general election Thursday, congratulating centre-left rival Jacinda Ardern on her victory.

"The government is going to change. New Zealand through our democratic processes have elected a different government and we wish them well," the conservative leader told reporters.

The September 23 election ended deadlocked with populist "kingmaker" Winston Peters holding the balance of power and opting on Thursday to back Ardern's Labour Party. 

Source: AFP