Australia's favourite politician is sitting out of the federal election - because she is happy as prime minister of New Zealand.
Jacinda Ardern says she is eager to return to Australia, pledging to do so after polling day on May 21.
However, she will steer clear of Australia's domestic politics, sidestepping questions on the matter this week.
"I'm not commenting on any matters around the Australian election, directly or tangentially," she told AAP.
New Zealand's opposition health spokesman Shane Reti made a brief intervention into Australian politics this week, telling the ABC a Labor policy could see Kiwi nurses lured across the Tasman.
He later pledged not to talk to Australian journalists for the rest of the campaign.
Ms Ardern told The Project - where she was spruiking New Zealand as a tourism destination now borders are open to Australian travellers - she would work with whoever wins on May 21.
"You are literally our most important relationship," she said.
"Because of that, that means whoever is in the top job on your side of the ditch is who I will build a great relationship with.
"I can say that hand on heart."
Ms Ardern spent time at Wellington Airport on Wednesday night, thanking airport workers for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and greeting arrivals.
She did so alongside a pair of airport staff dressed as Kiwis and another as a Kangaroo.
"I don't know if this is a sign of my enthusiasm but I've dressed in green especially for this moment," she said.
"We're so excited we've made humans dress up as kangaroos. We've put our dignity aside."
Ms Ardern knocked back an invitation to hold her wedding - which has twice been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions - in Australia.
"I'm pretty sure there's a little known clause in our treason legislation that says the prime minister getting married in Australia comes with a pretty hefty penalty," she joked.
Instead, she said she will head to Australia in the weeks following the poll to meet with either Scott Morrison or Anthony Albanese.
"I'm very eager. I'm very keen to get there," she said.
"There's that slightly awkward period you're going through at the moment known as an election where it's not the done thing to visit during that period.
"Once you're out the other side of that experience, I will be very keen to pop over."
For the past three years, Ms Ardern has topped a Lowy Institute poll of the world leader Australians have the most confidence in.
Last week, she was named the most believable leader by Ogilvy PR, among a list that included world leaders and state premiers, ahead of second-placed Anthony Albanese.
Australian Associated Press
