Jacinda Ardern has confirmed the Government will not now resume free-trade talks with Russia.

Restarting the discussions was part of the coalition deal between Labour and New Zealand First.

But the Prime Minister says they can't go ahead under the shadow of the nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain.

Jacinda Ardern says the use of chemical weapons in any circumstance is totally repugnant.

She says she hasn't ruled in or out any other response, including expelling Russian representatives in New Zealand.

"Whilst free trade talks had not resumed with Russia, they've been suspended since 2014. Its now too soon to say when or if those talks will resume."