Claire Trevett: 'slippers diplomacy' to the rescue for PM Jacinda Ardern

It might have just been small talk for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Julie Bishop, but Ardern's slippers could signify a giant leap in the new Labour government's relationship with the Australian Government.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop met Ardern when Ardern dropped by a dinner being hosted by her counterpart Winston Peters on Friday night.

Australia's current government had a strong relationship with the previous National Government, especially at the leadership level. Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull were both fans of Sir John Key and Turnbull is a close friend. When Key went to Australia, he stayed at Turnbull's private house in Sydney.

Labour had not got off to a strong start - Bishop had taken aim at them over MP Chris Hipkins' involvement in the Barnaby Joyce citizenship saga and there was frustration over Ardern's persistent pushing of New Zealand's invitation to take 150 refugees from Manus Island.

Peters was seemingly determined not to be outdone. the Labour - NZ First Government was not compared badly to those who went before.

To do so, Peters opted for the personal touch, hosting Bishop at his own home in St Mary's Bay and getting Ardern to pop in to break the ice.

Bishop was effusive about the hospitality shown to her, saying the choice of his own home showed the closeness of the relationship.

The informal setting appeared to be the perfect setting for a rapprochement between Ardern and Bishop.

Bishop said the "delightful" conversation ranged in the "informal and welcoming environment."

There was even a hint baby talk or gossip (gasp) was involved, or as Bishop put it "matters of contemporary interest."

"As two female politicians we discussed a lot of matters of contemporary interest. We also discussed some very serious issues involving Australia and New Zealand."

It soon transpired Ardern's shoes were among the matters of contemporary interest.

Bishop is renowned for her interest in fashion - as is Ardern who chooses to showcase New Zealand designers as much as possible.

In a photo tweeted by Bishop, Ardern was wearing a pair of Allbird loafers which even Ardern admits look like slippers. They looked even more so next to Bishop's snappy stilettos.

Much to discuss with PM @jacindaardern on my first night in #Auckland Thank you Deputy PM @winstonpeters for a memorable evening 🇦🇺🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/U2xVO1OKa8

— Julie Bishop (@HonJulieBishop) February 9, 2018

Bishop's initial answer to a question about the shoes brought a slight death stare and a 'seriously?'

Then she answered that they had discussed the footwear and Ardern had explained she was dressed casually because she had come from a conference for Young Labour activists.

She understood the shoes were New Zealand made "and labelled the comfiest shoes in the world."

"So I had shoe envy at that stage."

Of the very serious issues, Bishop repeated her belief Hipkins' actions were unacceptable and inappropriate, but Ardern had acknowledged that.

"Of course, we move on. We see New Zealand as our essential partner, our natural partner. That will continue. In fact, today I think we deepened the relationship even further."

As for Peters, he did not cook. "I think Mrs Bishop deserves better than that."