Spouse of the Prime Minister of New Zealand

The Spouse of the Prime Minister of New Zealand is an unofficial title, the holder of which, by convention, is the host or hostess of Premier House, the official residence of the Prime Minister. An unpaid position that has no official responsibilities, the role has gained significance since the 1960s, with the Prime Minister's spouse acting as a key national figure on social issues and a prominent symbol of government. The Spouse also assists the Prime Minister in welcoming foreign dignitaries to Parliament House and the official residences.

The 23rd Prime Minister, Michael Joseph Savage, was a bachelor during his term, but otherwise, until the tenure of the 36th Prime Minister, Jenny Shipley, the post had always been filled by a woman; Burton Shipley was Jenny Shipley's husband. Mary English is the spouse of the incumbent Prime Minister of New Zealand, Bill English.

The current spouse of the Prime Minister of New Zealand is Mary English, who assumed the role when her husband became the Prime Minister of New Zealand on 12 December 2016.

There are currently seven living spouses of former prime ministers of New Zealand:

The most recent spouse of an New Zealand prime minister to die was Thea Muldoon (ex-wife of Robert Muldoon), on 24 February 2015.

The Prime Minister's spouse has no official duties. Some earlier spouses stayed mainly at home and took little part in public life.

However, most recent Prime Ministers' spouses have been involved in charities or community organisations, working to raise public awareness, funds, and support for a range of causes. They generally assist their partners in political campaigns, and participate in official duties that come with the position, such as hosting foreign dignitaries, and, in particular, entertaining the spouses of dignitaries; accompanying the Prime Ministers on national and international trips; attending conferences and functions; and speaking in public, particularly in the Prime Minister's constituency. They have attended the opening of Parliament; hosted visitors at Premier House; visited Buckingham Palace, the White House, or the Japanese Imperial Palace; and been present at royal coronations and conferences.