Jacinda Ardern acknowledges group selfie was a 'mistake'

Jacinda Ardern has acknowledged she "made a mistake" after taking a selfie with fans in a breach of social distancing rules.

The New Zealand Prime Minister visited Massey University at Palmerston North on Thursday while on the campaign trail.

As she left the campus, Ardern was met by a group of excited students who asked to take a photo with her.

The prime minister reportedly asked the crowd to step back at first, but eventually joined them for the selfie.

Ardern acknowledged her mistake on Monday while announcing the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

"All the way through on the campaign trail and even before during alert level settings, I work really hard not to shake people's hands," she said.

"I sanitise. I wear my mask in Auckland, and I work hard to try to keep my social distance.

"In that particular photo I did make a mistake. I should have stepped further forward. I should have asked them to step apart from each other, and I acknowledge that."

New Zealand is headed for an election on October 17, with the coronavirus pandemic presenting a unique situation for candidates and voters.

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Ardern spoke about the challenges on Monday, saying the country's social distancing restrictions are decided based on health advice and not on campaign needs.

"None of our decision-making around these alert levels, actually are based on the politics or the campaign," she said.

Restrictions in New Zealand have now eased, although Auckland still faces tougher rules than the rest of the country.

"We are in a strong position to make our next move down our alert settings," Ardern said.

"Auckland needs more time."

Ardern has proved to be a popular leader during her time in office, having steered New Zealand through the aftermath of a mass shooting and the coronavirus pandemic, and is expected to win the election.

She is up against opposition leader Judith Collins.