International media calling Jacinda Ardern about motherhood plans controversy

Jacinda Ardern says international interest in the controversy over media asking her about wanting to have children shows the wider issue is "live beyond New Zealand's borders".

"I have had contact from international media outlets over that discussion. I think it just demonstrates that it is a live issue beyond New Zealand's borders," Ardern said today.

"As long as we can keep challenging views that are antiquated and have no place in New Zealand or anywhere else, perhaps there will be something positive to come out of the discussion."

Ardern faced media today, her third as party leader, shortly after announcing a minor portfolio reshuffle.

After taking over as leader on Tuesday she pledged to scrap Labour's "a fresh approach" campaign slogan, and to revise some policy, but said she wanted 72 hours to consider those moves.

"We will say a little bit more on that tomorrow - once my 72 hours is up. I'm taking the full number," Ardern said.

"You will not see me standing up with a full policy agenda. We have got seven weeks to talk about our ideas. So there is going to be a little patience that will need to be exercised. And, also, it is not just policy I've had to review. It is an entire campaign plan.

"There will be a bit of direction of travel in the coming days. [A slogan] is certainly one of the things we have been looking at ... I'm hoping we will have something to say on that soon."

In today's reshuffle Ardern retains children, arts culture and heritage, and picks up the security and intelligence portfolio.

The man she replaced, Andrew Little, has been handed her justice and small business portfolios. He also picks up ACC off outgoing MP Sue Moroney and retains the "new economy" portfolio.

Little moves to seventh spot on Labour's front bench. That position had been occupied by new deputy leader Kelvin Davis, who moves to the No 2 spot.

Apart from that movement the caucus rankings remain the same.

Other new responsibilities include Adrian Rurawhe picking up Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations from Davis. Grant Robertson picks up Associate Arts Culture and Heritage, Carmel Sepuloni gets Associate Children, and Nanaia Mahuta Associate Maori Development.

List placings will be decided at the next party council meeting. Along with Labour's other Maori MPs, Davis had chosen to remove himself from the party list for the general election.

However, Labour's constitution requires the party's leader and deputy to be listed at one and two. Ardern said she was confident Little would return as an MP after September's election.

"I imagine he will be looking forward to Labour being in Government and the opportunity to be a minister. We spoke about the portfolios and he was really pleased with the mix of things he will be working on."