Speaker threatens to kick journalists out of Parliament over PM baby privacy

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Clarke Gayford and Neve Te Aroha Ardern at Auckland Hospital.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Clarke Gayford and Neve Te Aroha Ardern at Auckland Hospital. Photo credit: Newshub

Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard has issued a warning to journalists around filming or photographing baby Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford at Parliament.

He personally visited the press gallery to reiterate that he would be enforcing photography and filming rules strictly - threatening to revoke press gallery accreditations if reporters breach the rules.

Mr Mallard said as part of his policy to make Parliament as family friendly as possible, media will be banned from filming or photographing baby Neve, Mr Gayford or any of their extended family without express permission.

Ms Ardern, partner Clarke Gayford and baby Neve will move to the Prime Ministerial residence at Premier House in Wellington on Saturday.

Mr Gayford is the child's primary caregiver, and he and baby Neve are likely to be at Parliament frequently.

Mr Mallard said there will be consequences for anyone who breaches the rules, including the reporter's press gallery accreditation being stripped and consequences for their organisation.

The Prime Minister returned to her role on Thursday after six weeks of maternity leave.

She granted one interview to each major media outlet to discuss her baby as she returned to work, saying it would be the only formal opportunity to do so.

Newshub.