Covid-19 outbreak: Jacinda Ardern tight-lipped on Clarke Gayford's apology over rapid antigen tests

Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford at wreath laying ceremony during Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's visit to Queenstown. Photo / Supplied

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is refusing to comment on claims her fiance tried to get rapid antigen tests (RATs) for his musician friends despite them not being eligible.

Clarke Gayford has since apologised for "any issues or confusion" caused by the incident.

In a post on a private Facebook group, Tauranga pharmacist Michael Taylor said a group of vaccinated musicians had come into the store and requested RATs after having been potentially exposed to Covid-19.

Taylor said he explained the Ministry of Health rules required them to instead get a laboratory-based PCR test.

"As they didn't like this they got Clarke Gayford on the phone who proceeded to tell me that there had been a change in guidance and these people should be given RAT tests," the post said.

"When I explained that we had not received any direction from the MoH he was very unimpressed."

Gayford did not respond to RNZ's interview requests, but his manager issued a brief statement: "Mr Gayford was rung by a friend about rapid antigen testing and was put on speakerphone while the person was in a pharmacy.

"He apologises for any issues or confusion this may have caused the pharmacy staff."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford during the swearing-in ceremony to appoint the new executive at Government House in Wellington. Photo / NZH

A spokesperson for the prime minister declined to comment, instead referring RNZ to the statement issued on behalf of Gayford.

National Party Covid-19 spokesman Chris Bishop described the incident as "deeply inappropriate".

ACT leader David Seymour also published a tongue-in-cheek statement, commending Gayford for "advocating for rapid antigen tests".

"I'd never hold a politician responsible for their partner, but I hope the prime minister will lift the crazy restrictions on rapid antigen tests that her fiancé was trying to fight against."