Jacinda Ardern is defending her actions as leader after some criticism from a predecessor.

Earlier this week, former Prime Minister Helen Clark said heads would have rolled over the Labour Youth camp issue, if she was in charge.

Ardern was initially kept in the dark about the situation, but she says an
inquiry was the way to go.

"We are different leaders. That issue at that time I dealt with as I saw fit, as I am dealing with these issues now as I see fit. I am entirely comfortable with the decisions that I've made."

The Prime Minister says that's not to say she backs away from making the tough calls - and her colleagues know that.

"They know my expectations are high. They know that we have a standard that New Zealanders expect of us. We are in office, we are there to represent them. That isn't something that I share at any one off caucus meeting. It's a constant theme amongst our team."

She is also deflecting questions about the investigation into Minister Meka Whaitiri's alleged office altercation with a staff member.

Ardern says it's right Whaitiri is standing aside while the matter's investigated

"My hope is that it will be dealt with as quickly as possible, within the realms of course of dealing with all parties fairly. That is a matter that is really with ministerial services rather than with me."

Former Labour Party President Mike Williams told Newstalk ZB this morning that if it is proven that an assault took place, then it is a sackable offence.

"Assault is a very broad kind of word though, and my understanding is that if it involved shoving, it is assault."

He said one of the issues was the lack of training for ministers.

"I think it's probably lack of supports, ministerial services don't seem to think it's their job to give these new ministers basic instructions on staffing."