PM Jacinda Ardern photographed maskless with 100-plus crowd

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro were photographed with a largely maskless group today. Photo / Instagram

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is copping criticism after being photographed with a crowd of more than 100 almost entirely maskless people today, just days after the Government pushed for Kiwis to wear face coverings.

The photo of Ardern, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, and a scattering of sitting MPs posing with 120 youth parliamentarians was posted to the PM's social media profiles.

At least one person could be seen wearing a mask for the Beehive staircase photo.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said Ardern and others in the photo had been wearing their masks, but briefly removed them at the request of the photographer.

Just last week the Government announced a push to boost accessibility to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) and masks to help curb a rise in New Zealand's Covid-19 cases.

Otago University epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker said while he couldn't comment on if mask-use was kept during other parts of the day, it was disappointing to see "leaders not leading by example".

"There is an added responsibility for our leaders to wear masks when being photographed or in public settings to lead by example, this was a missed opportunity to normalise mask-use," Baker said.

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The photograph for today's Youth Parliament events also ironically coincided with an email this afternoon from the Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard.

He reminded those working at Parliament to wear masks and added: "It applies to everyone."

"It has come to my attention that some people are not wearing their masks when moving around the public areas on precinct, and are ignoring security when approached about this," he wrote.

Mallard said only "a couple of members/staff" had a medical exemption.

"Everyone in these buildings should be wearing their masks when moving about. For the safety of all on the precinct, I remind you of this rule.

"It applies to everyone. I have asked the CE of Parliamentary Services to advise me if anyone is not cooperative."

Mallard told the Herald his email was not in response to the youth parliament events.