The Prime Minister’s office has responded to criticism after David Seymour accused Jacinda Ardern of breaking her own Alert Level rules.

Ardern was photographed on Thursday taking a selfie with at least a dozen people in close proximity to her.

The Act Party leader said “hospitality businesses are going broke at Alert Level 2 because of single server and social distancing rules.”

“Meanwhile, the person responsible for the rules is breaking them. Small business owners will be incredibly angry.”

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister confirmed the photo in question was taken on Thursday.

She said she ask members of the public to keep appropriate distancing when interacting and getting photos.

“There are a number of handshakes and hugs she unfortunately has to decline and best endeavours are made to keep separated when people ask for photos, but often members of the public will come very close to the Prime Minister which is difficult to control.”

Alert level 2 rules

• Keep a 2 metre distance in public. Take extra care if you interact with people you don’t know as it won’t be easy to do contact tracing if needed. This means making the space when you’re in places like playgrounds, parks, retail businesses, shopping malls or walking along the street.

• Keep 1 metre physical distance in ‘controlled environments’ where contact tracing and other public health measures are possible. This includes places like cafes, church groups, gatherings, restaurants and gyms.

You can socialise at Alert Level 2, but keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen. This is easier if you socialise with people you know well.