National Party Deputy Leader Nikki Kaye has admitted that the gaffe over Paul Goldsmith's heritage is the most embarrassing moment of her political career. 

Last month, Kaye and leader Todd Muller was being quizzed about Māori representation ahead of their first caucus meeting.

Kaye mentioned that Goldsmith was Ngati Porou and that they had three Māori in their shadow cabinet: Goldsmith at No 5, Paula Bennett at No 13 and Shane Reti at No 17.

Muller then confirmed in answer to a question that Goldsmith was the only Māori in the party's top 12.

Paul Goldsmith said while he had lots of relatives who were Māori – his great grandfather had European and Māori wives – he himself was not Māori.

"I make it quite clear. I am not Māori myself. The Goldsmith family have many connections to Ngāti Porou. My great, great grandfather had European wives and Māori wives so I've got lots of relatives across the Ngāti Porou but I don't claim to be Māori myself."

Speaking to Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford for Six and a Song, Kaye said that it was an embarrassing moment. 

"It was gutting because we had just become the leadership team and then you stumble off the block." 

She said that she has learnt that you need to own moments like this and accept the mistake. 

Kaye was also asked about her relationship with Jacinda Ardern, who she faced off against for two election races in Auckland Central, with Kaye beating her both times. 

"We really haven't seen that much of each other for quite a period of time," she says about their current relationship, noting that Ardern has been busy being Prime Minister.

Kaye says that there is mutual respect between the pair. "I meet a lot of young people where she is an extraordinary person for them." 

LISTEN ABOVE