A political commentator says the Prime Minister's New York talk show appearances this week are mostly to generate positive headlines here.

Jacinda Ardern will squeeze in slots on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the Today breakfast show, despite a packed schedule of speeches and meetings.

Political commentator Richard Harman says Ardern's intended audience is us here in New Zealand.

He says it is hard to see what would be gained by her impressing the average American viewer.

Harman says as usual, they will wheel out the line that her appearance is advertising New Zealand, and that it will generate tourism.

"Do you sit there and watch Stephen Colbert and see the Prime Minister of Iceland and think 'Gosh, I really want to go to Iceland on my next holiday' - what she is wanting is for her appearance on the show to be reported back here."