The Prime Minister's back in charge - though not back at the Cabinet table yet.

Instead, she's at the kitchen table at her Auckland home, where's she spent the last six weeks on the maternity leave.

Jacinda Ardern resumed her role last night after Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters left the country to attend talks overseas.

Speaking with Larry Williams, Ardern insisted she is happy to be back at work after less than two months off to spend with Baby Neve.

"Of course and every day, no doubt, comes with its challenges, and it is a privilege, and the time I've had out has reminded me of that."

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She won't return to the Beehive until Monday, where she will walk into an industrial maelstrom.

The nurses pay dispute is still not resolved and teachers are saying they're going on strike in a couple of weeks.

Ardern's taking it all in her stride.

"We have come in at a period where there has been a cumulative effect. Certainly, that was the case with the nurses. The last Government was mid-negotiation when we came in. With the teachers, there's certainly the beginning of a process."

While she has kept an eye on things, she told Larry that she hasn't been watching the cut and thrust of Parliament's debating chamber.

"That was very much on purpose. I did also have a period where I was very kindly given to spend time to be a mum in those early, early days, and I knew if I stuck to closely the comings and goings of the debating chamber, I'd probably be drawn in."

Her return comes a week after one of her predecessors, Sir John Key, warned of economic downturn during her six weeks leave,

Ardern says that there is positive growth, incredibly low unemployment and a surplus.

"I am hearing the message that we need to make sure that we are coming up and talking about the challenges that we are facing, which are that businesses need skilled employees and we do have some shortages there, we do need to make sure that we increase trade and that we diversify the economy."

One big question hovers over her return: will there be a little brother or sister to join Neve in the future?

Though when asked if she has any thoughts about adding to her family, Ardern could only laugh.

"I have to say with anyone I think probably if six weeks after giving birth you say 'What about the next one?', they're likely to say 'That's not something we're thinking about'."