US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has praised New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in a one-on-one with Newshub's Patrick Gower.
Gower, who is currently in the United States covering the electoral contest between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden, spoke to Pelosi after she visited an art installation paying tribute to those killed by the coronavirus.
Initially, Gower asked Pelosi how important it was for the world that Biden won the presidency. However, she declined to answer, wanting to focus on the pandemic rather than politics.
But the Democrat would comment on how New Zealand has tackled COVID-19.
"We are so proud. Your Prime Minister is just a source of great pride to all of us."
The latest Ministry of Health figures show New Zealand has 75 active cases of COVID-19, the vast majority of which are in managed isolation and quarantine facilities. Overall, there has been 1612 confirmed cases and 25 deaths here.
While New Zealand has largely succeeded in stopping the virus' spread, the United States continues to see record numbers of cases with more than 100,000 on Friday.
Pelosi isn't the only interesting character Gower has come across on the campaign trail.
One Trump supporter he met refused to be interviewed, saying he couldn't talk to the press.
"You're so corrupt," the man said.
When Gower told him he was from New Zealand, the man paused before saying: "Well, I'd have to see your reports".
"But the US press is as corrupt as it can be. It makes me sick."
