PM has copped an awkward question during a live TV interview in Australia. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has ducked and weaved an awkward question about her popularity at home while visiting Australia.
The 41-year-old leader has gained global recognition but has simultaneously seen her approval back home waning.
In an interview on ABC's 730 on Thursday night, host Sarah Ferguson touched on a potential sore point for Ardern.
A smiling Ardern said her focus was on domestic issues rather than a perceived "global celebrity" status.
"My total focus is at home. That's what matters to me," she said.
Ardern has seen increasing voter dissatisfaction in recent months as the Covid pandemic and economic pressures take a toll on the country.
Reflecting on her international reputation, Ardern denied many people overseas saw her as a celebrity.
"It's very unusual for a prime minister of a small Pacific country to become a global celebrity. How do you explain the sustained interest in you?" Ferguson asked.
"Oh, I don't think that I would ever, first of all, describe myself in that way," Ardern replied.
"I think that rest of the world would," Ferguson said.
Ardern said she would "first and foremost" be focused on New Zealand.
"If by virtue of just doing that job to the very best of my ability, there is some interest in what New Zealand does and how we do it – then I will always reflect that back to the fact that all I do is magnify the Kiwi spirit," she said.
Ardern is in Australia for trade talks and on Thursday met with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet at Parliament House in Sydney.
The 19-year-old disappeared without her wallet or mobile phone.