Jacinda Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford steals the show with 'daggy Dad cardi'

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford has stolen the show during their first public appearance with baby Neve, choosing to wear his favourite comfy 'dad cardi' bought at a Salvation Army store.

"Oh well, he's my new hero," wrote one fan of Gayford's fashion choice.

"Love your dad cardie, real down to earth," said another.

"Love the cardi!! Must nab," wrote a Facebook fan.

Many people stepped in to defend Gayford's fashion choice, with one writing, "Yep nothing wrong with it at all. I'm glad they are so down to earth and not stuck up, like those who would only wear expensive designer brands."

"He IS a dad now, so the 'dad cardi' is legit!" another said.

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"If this is what they describe as daggy, then I guess they're a pretty stylish couple," was one Twitter user's verdict.

Others weren't as enamoured with Gayford's wardrobe choice.

"Um I just wonder if we can find Clarke a new cardigan (or preferably a new top that isn't a cardie)."

She called it a "dad cardigan" at the time, explaining he had bought it from a local op shop.

"It's from the op-shop, so there's not a lot to lose at least,' she joked during the Facebook live stream. "It's my practice 'dad cardi'!" he responded.

"Clarke's got his dad cardi on so he's ready to go," she added.

Ardern, 37, will take six weeks of maternity leave, with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters filling in and keeping the new mum informed during that time.

Gayford, 40, will be a stay-at-home-dad when Ardern returns to work.