Jacinda Ardern says she is battling to stop perception becoming reality - when it comes to plummeting business confidence.

She told The Country she doesn't want recent surveys to become self-fulfilling prophecies.

She says among other things the unstable international environment and skill shortages are behind it.

"But we've got underinvestment in infrastructure, so we're trying to turn that around as well, and then there's the underlying uncertainty that comes with a chance of government. So that's about me going out and talking about our agenda and what we're doing to help business."

Ardern says the Government will continue to pursue trade agendas, and make sure New Zealand isn't too reliant on any one partner.

LISTEN TO JACINDA ARDERN TALK WITH ROWENA DUNCUM ABOVE