A hard, no-deal Brexit could be damaging for New Zealand business, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has acknowledged.
Speaking to reporters in London ahead of a meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Ardern agreed that if Britain left the European Union on March 29, which would see it exit with no deal in place, it could "absolutely" be damaging for New Zealand business.
"My job is to highlight and focus on the best interests of New Zealand business ... and there's no question that a no-deal situation would be very damaging and very difficult."
The Government's focus was on supporting business if that scenario eventuated.
"I'm using this opportunity, today and tomorrow, to talk to businesses about some of those preparations, but also planning for every scenario that may arise."