New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern breakfasts with Hillary Clinton

NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shared a secret breakfast with the almost president of the United States this morning.

Jacinda Ardern, left, with Hillary Clinton, who quietly arrived in New Zealand ahead of her speech tonight. Picture: Jacinda Ardern/AP

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shared a secret breakfast with the almost president of the United States this morning.

Hillary Clinton quietly arrived in New Zealand ahead of her speech at Auckland’s Spark Arena tonight where she will share the lessons learnt during the 2016 presidential election and in her long career as a woman in politics, Radio New Zealand reports.

The former first lady’s presence was largely unknown until she was spied shopping at children’s clothing store Parnell Baby Boutique yesterday, leading to speculation Mrs Clinton had bought a gift for Ms Ardern’s soon-to-be-born child.

Mrs Clinton and Ms Ardern reportedly met at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel where Mrs Clinton is staying. Media were not invited to breakfast.

Ms Ardern’s spokesperson has confirmed the two exchanged gifts but would not provide any details on the meet-up between the PM and the former US secretary of state.

A VIP package to Mrs Clinton’s talk, including close seats, a copy of her book and a pre-event cocktail party, cost $495 and upper level seating prices started at $195.

Mrs Clinton will speak in Sydney and Mebourne this week as part of her speaking tour An Evening with Hillary Rodham Clinton. The event description says Mrs Clinton will “share the intense personal experience of becoming the first woman nominated for president by a major party in an election marked by rage, sexism, exhilarating highs and infuriating lows, stranger-than-fiction twists, Russian interference, and an opponent who broke all the rules”.