Winston Peters has rejected criticism that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been absent from her role.

Ardern has faced criticism over not fronting up to interviews, after she didn't do her usual Tuesday morning breakfast show interviews.

Andrew Dickens yesterday said in his editorial: "The suspicion is rising that Jacinda Ardern likes to be a spokesperson for a government and a figurehead for the world but when it comes down to the nitty gritty of being a leader the job is a little difficult."

He noted that left-wing commentator Chris Trotter had also raised concerns.

When the question was put to the Deputy Prime Minister by The Country's Jamie Mackay, Peters agreed it was churlish and unkind. 

"They are small minded, and down right petty."

Peters also brushed off the possibility of a 'Blue-Green' Party as a "construction", and that few of those parties succeed. 

LISTEN TO WINSTON PETERS TALK WITH JAMIE MACKAY ABOVE