Simon Bridges reveals Kiwiana baby gift he gave the royal couple, talks dental care

The Duke of Duchess of Sussex had been on New Zealand soil for just hours yesterday when the soon-to-be parents were presented with what many would argue is the perfect Kiwiana baby gift: a set of Hairy Maclary books.

National leader Simon Bridges revealed the gift, which he and his wife presented to the royal newlyweds last night, while speaking today on Breakfast.

"It was a great privilege, really," Mr Bridges said of the meeting. "They are charming. They are incredibly down to earth. They are really, I think, looking forward to this NZ part of their tour.

"It was great to talk to the prince about the Invictus Games. He's obviously very passionate about what he's done there for war veterans."

But did the Opposition leader steal the Prime Minister's thunder with the Hairy Maclary set?

Jacinda Ardern revealed on Breakfast in April that the popular Dame Lynley Dodd children's books had been sent to Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge when Prince Louis was born.

"We traditionally wait until the baby's arrived to talk about the present, but it's been pre-planned and arranged for some time," Ms Ardern said at the time. "So we're sending her a collection of New Zealand books. It's quite well known that Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy is a favourite among some of the royal family."

Also during his Breakfast appearance today, Mr Bridges was asked about whether the Government should subsidise dental care for adults.

"In truth, I think it would be something that's great to see, but it comes down to one simple thing: the economy," he responded.

"Ultimately, you've got to be earning your way and getting your money in from the taxes to do that.

"That involves growing the economy. At the moment - whether it's all the working groups, whether it's industrial unrest, whether it's a bunch of other things going on -- we're not seeing that. And so I don't think they have the room to do that. It requires a strong economy to do it.