Jacinda Ardern has rebuked Donald Trump's claim New Zealand is experiencing a "massive" outbreak of COVID-19, saying the difference between the two countries is obvious.
On Friday morning (NZ time) the US President spoke out about New Zealand's COVID-19 response.
"New Zealand, New Zealand it's over for New Zealand! Everything's gone it's all over - they're beautiful," said Trump, presumably imitating those who have complimented New Zealand's COVID-19 response.
"They had a massive breakout yesterday," he said.
On Friday afternoon Ardern refuted the claim Auckland's outbreak is "massive" - especially when compared to the US.
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"New Zealand is among a small number of countries that still has a low rate of COVID-19 cases and one of the lowest death rates in the world," she told reporters.
"For example - the United States has 16,563 cases per million people - we have 269 cases per million people."
She went on to say Trump's comments hadn't changed her perspective on New Zealand's response and that she is still "very proud" of the country's efforts.
"Our approach has been different to other countries but it's an approach I think we can all feel very proud of."
"But it's not just whether you have cases - it's how you choose to deal with them as a nation and I am incredibly proud of the approach all New Zealanders have taken to the battle against COVID-19."
