The New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was refused entry into a cafe in capital city Wellington as coronavirus social distancing rules meant there was no room left.
New Zealand has begun easing coronavirus restrictions while keeping strict social distancing measures - including a rule ensuring that customers remain three feet apart in restaurants.
Ms Ardern's fiance, broadcaster Clarke Gayford, said the couple were quickly asked back to the cafe, called Olive, when a space became free.
Responding to a social media post about the incident, Mr Gayford took the blame for the confusion.
He said: “I have to take responsibility for this, I didn’t get organised and book anywhere. Was very nice of them to chase us down st when a spot freed up. A+ service.”
A spokesperson for the New Zealand Government said: “The PM says she just waits like everyone else.”
Olive's owner, who declined to be named, told the New Zealand Herald that the Prime Minister was "lovely".
"She had a lovely brunch and left half an hour later. She was lovely with all the staff ... [and] she was treated like a normal customer," they said.
New Zealand, which has had 21 confirmed deaths from coronavirus and 1,498 cases, has been praised for its response to the virus.
The country closed its borders and put a strict lockdown in place in March. Health authorities have reported just one new coronavirus response over the past five days.
