New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern takes 20% pay cut over coronavirus

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her ministers will take a 20 per cent pay cut given the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

"This is where we can take action and that is why we have," Ardern told the media, adding that the six-month plan will also include public service CEOs.

The move, she explained, is aimed at acknowledging those people who have lost jobs, taken pay cuts or who were reliant on wage subsidies due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Nurses, police and health care professionals will be exempt from the pay cut.

New Zealand's offices, schools and non-essential services have been closed for 21 days, with the government expected to decide whether to extend the "Level 4" shutdown next week.

So far, the country has recorded more than 1,300 positive cases and 9 deaths.