Mixed reaction amongst Labour as to whether or not a Kiwi in the White House could be of benefit to the country.

Trump's last economic advisor quit because of the tariffs and he could be replaced by Kiwi businessman Chris Liddell, who the President says is a front-runner for the job.

Jacinda Ardern doesn't believe his elevation will make much difference to this country.

"If anyone internally is able to acknowledge and champion New Zealand's calls then that is helpful but I don't have an expectation around that."

However, Trade Minister David Parker is a bit more confident and says he could be helpful.

"I've met Chris Liddell and he is a loyal New Zealander and I would have thought he would be wanting to do his duty by his new employer but also do what he could for New Zealand."

It comes as New Zealand is trying to get an exemption from Donald Trump's decision to slap tariffs as high as 25 per cent on steel imports and 10 per cent on aluminium.