This created an environment for Mr Peters to thrive in his flamboyant way and also allowed Ms Ardern's star quality to grow and shine through.
And now you have a straight personality race with the latest polls showing her neck and neck with Mr English in the preferred prime minister stakes.
Some will argue that all the latest polls show is that there has been a reshuffling of the cards among the left and that National has retained its core support.
But anyone in politics knows that momentum is key and Ms Ardern now has six weeks to show what she is made of. If she shows that she is just too inexperienced and can't handle the pressure, then National will get a late boost to propel it to a fourth term.
However, if she appeals to voters in the televised debates by making Mr English look wooden and boring in comparison, then she probably will get National voters to jump ship.
If she does, prepare yourself for a Labour-NZ First government.