New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern caught name-calling rival on hot mic

The comment came after David Seymour, who leads the libertarian ACT party, peppered Ms Ardern with questions about her government’s record for about seven minutes during parliament’s question time.

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern (Rick Rycroft/AP)

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was caught on a hot mic on Tuesday using a vulgarity against a rival politician, in a rare blunder for a leader known for her skill at debating and calm, measured responses.

After five years as prime minister, Ms Ardern faces a tough election campaign in 2023.