Maybe things are not all black and white. Maybe politics is as well different from rugby (where I understand - it is "right or wrong my rugby team"). I can see for most politicians strengths as well as weaknesses.
Jacinda Ardern's government clearly started with good intentions but proved wanting in many of the areas they promised to deliver, but this doesn't mean that everything she did or does is terrible or spite worthy.
I think that her initial Covid response was good, and I think as well (despite Balances spite) that her reaction to the Christchurch terror attack was quite remarkable and should make us all proud.
I was on the other hand very disappointed about her race based and xenophobe policies her government pulled out of the sack ... and yes, this includes three waters.
On the international scene is she clearly lifting NZ's profile - and while I am not sure, whether her current "flirt" with Xi is well advised ... overall is a high profile PM good for New Zealand.
The story is similar with previous PM's - some of the things they did was good and other things not so good. Sometimes they delivered on promises and often they didn't ... and yes, sometimes they came up with surprises, and not all of them have been good.
I think a discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of individual policies and of individual politicians would help us to get a better view on the situation - and maybe even add value and help some of the readers to form a better decision for which party to go come next election.
For me - I can see some good policies and some strengths as well as some really bad policies and some weaknesses in basically each of the four parties likely to shape the next parliament. I don't think that just praising one over the top and beating the others up whether they deserve it or not will change my (or anybody's views).
An intelligent debate might.