Jacinda Ardern suggested Gerry Brownlee retire in a humorous exchange over the country's unemployment rate in Parliament today.
The Prime Minister was answering questions from Simon Bridges after it was announced New Zealand's unemployment rate fell from 4.3 per cent last quarter to 4.2 per cent as of March 31 this year when the tit-for-tat with Mr Brownlee took place.
"Does she know that the reasons Statistics New Zealand gave for the unemployment rate falling in the last quarter is because people were deciding to leave the workforce to go on a benefit?" Mr Bridges asked.
Ms Ardern was quick to refute his claim.
"That is actually not correct, if someone goes on a benefit by default they are termed as unemployed and would show up in the unemployment statistics which has gone down," she said.
During her answer Mr Brownlee made an interjection across the House leading to a light-hearted exchange between the pair.
"Stats New Zealand also say they saw a rise in men over 55 leaving the labour force in order to go into leisure time, perhaps a suggestion Mr Brownlee?" Ms Ardern said.
"I just want to express to the House how overcome I am with the kindness from the Prime Minister," Mr Brownlee answered drawing laughs from his colleagues and prompting Speaker Trevor Mallard to join in.
"I thought the member was going to say he wouldn't notice any difference," the Speaker retorted keeping the laughter flowing.
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