Former Prime Minster Jenny Shipley has praised the National Party's move to change leadership.

Todd Muller rolled Simon Bridges to become the party's new head, with Nikki Kaye as his deputy. Muller is due to announce a reshuffle of MPs' portfolios later today.

Dame Shipley told Mike Hosking the right move was made.

"In the end the caucus of the New Zealand National Party has got to decide if they have the leader that can give New Zealanders a choice.

"I think that this has been a conversation that many new Zealanders have had with their members of parliament.

"This is the right time to give New Zealanders a chance of two strong leaders, a very strong one and tow team."

Dame Shipley believes the election will be much closer.

She adds under the circumstances the country will face close to the election, it will be a very good contest.