Former US President Barack Obama won't front the media during his visit to New Zealand this week but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she'll talk to reporters after she meets him and "relay some insights".
Mr Obama's first point of call after he arrives is a meeting with Ms Ardern at Government House in Auckland on Thursday.
Ms Ardern was asked at her post-Cabinet news conference this afternoon if she's surprised the former US President is not holding a press conference.
"No no. Look, I imagine that there's certain elements of the job that you're probably happy to move away from. And he's probably taking on a new role which means treating his obligations differently. And he's under no obligation here in New Zealand," she said.
Ms Ardern said the fact Mr Obama is not giving any interviews here is something the Government has no control over.
'I'd be happy to to relay some insights after my meeting with him for you."
Ms Ardern said Mr Obama's interests since leaving office particularly focus on youth leadership and inspiring the next generation of leaders, "something that I'm looking forward to having an opportunity to discuss with him, particularly, I think, some of the traits and characteristics of our next generation of leaders in New Zealand which we should be rightly proud of".
"There may be interest of course in that private meeting and I'm happy to hold a stand up afterwards to reflect on any insights that might be of interest."
Mr Obama will also be a guest speaker at a New Zealand-United States Council event at the Auckland Viaduct Events Centre on Thursday.
NZUS Council chairman Leon Grice says Mr Obama's speech will not have public tickets available.
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