The Relationship Between Australia and New Zealand Just Got Super-Uncomfortable

Our playful frenemies in New Zealand may be even more annoyed with us than usual.

Here’s why:

Yesterday, it was revealed Jacinda Ardern will become the Prime Minister of New Zealand, several weeks after a contentious election left the balance of power in the hands of New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.

In a nail-biting press conference, Peters revealed he had decided to form government with Ardern’s Labour party, rather than the incumbent National Party, telling the people of NZ before even Ardern herself.

Now, at age 37, she becomes the nation’s youngest leader in 150 years.

Of course, this result makes things a little (okay, a lot) awkward for the Turnbull government in Australia.

Prior to the election, defence industry minister Christopher Pyne accused Australian Labor of engaging in "conspiracy using a foreign government"—specifically, New Zealand’s—to bring down the Coalition by attempting to expose Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce as a New Zealand citizen.

See, NZ Labour MP Chris Hipkins had asked their internal affairs minister Peter Dunne about the nature of dual New Zealand-Australian citizens, after speaking with a friend working for the Australian Labor Party.

That was enough for Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to declare: "Should there be a change of government I would find it very hard to build trust with those involved in allegations designed to undermine the government of Australia."

Ardern responded with "disappointment", calling out Bishop’s "false claims", but nonetheless noted Hipkins questions "should never have been asked". She added that she would be willing to speak to Bishop about these shenanigans on the phone… if only she had her number!

Smash cut to October 20, and New Zealand is indeed facing a change in government.

According to The Guardian, Bishop congratulated Ardern in a press conference, saying, "I absolutely accept her explanation and I thank her for it and I’m looking forward to working with the new government."

As for her digits: "My phone number is available on every press release that I put out."

Prime Minster Malcolm Turnbull also chimed in on 3AW, following a chat with Ardern last night.

"You’re better off not scratching away at past political episodes," he explained.

"I’m looking forward to a great relationship with the new government."

Friends again?

Photo: Twitter.com/JulieBishopMP & jacindaardern