Instagram has become an essential part of the campaign toolkit, offering a front row seat and backstage pass to the election.
So who are the most engaging politicians when it comes to the gram?
The account with the most interactions (favourites and comments) over the last 30 days belongs to Labour Leader Jacinda Adern (51,863) who also has the highest following of all New Zealand's politicians (27,346).
The next politician generating the most interactions is National's Upper Hutt candidate Chris Bishop (14,494).
Prime Minister Bill English (11,151) comes in third while Green Party candidate Chloe Swarbrick (5,462) takes the fourth spot in total interactions list.
She is closely followed by her party colleague Hayley Holt (3,244).
The 'gram has become the place for candidates to share a more personal side of politics, and where people express themselves during major civic and cultural moments.
"Instagram has grown in recent years to become an essential tool in the campaigning toolbox. It's become the place for candidates to share a more personal side of politics, and where people express themselves during major civic and cultural moments," says John Tass Parker, Head of Politics and Government, Instagram.
From Jacinda Ardern preparing for a leaders debate, to Nikki Kaye visiting residents in central Auckland, and James Shaw planting trees in Island Bay, here are the top performing Instagram posts in the last 30 days:
- Jacinda Ardern in the green room before the TV3 leaders debate
- Chris Bishop's flashback Friday tribute to Beatles haircut
- Bill English with son Xavier out on the campaign trail
- Chloe Swarbrick in Cuba Street, Wellington
- Hayley Holt works the phones for the Ilam Greens in Christchurch
- Nikki Kaye campaigning in central Auckland
- Kiri Allan's picture of a very cute newborn Hiwa-i-te-rangi Rangitaia Ramarihi Allan-Coates
- Julie-Anne Genter enjoying a Hawke's Bay beach
- Baljit Kaur selfie in front of a former Labour PM's home
- James Shaw tree planting in Island Bay
Social Media Presenter Aziz Al-Sa'afin wraps up the biggest findings.
Watch the video for the full interview.
