Ireland's first female President is looking forward to meeting Jacinda Ardern.

Mary Robinson is in the country giving talks about her fight for gender equality.

She was also the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002, and now helps the poor deal with climate change.

Mary Robinson told Mike Hosking she's read a lot about our Prime Minister.

"She seems a fine woman and it's good to have a young woman and take high office in a country. It actually says a lot about the country. I know she's your third [female] Prime Minister, so that's good as well."

Robinson says despite the fact women hold many powerful positions in New Zealand, she's sure there are pay gaps and other gaps women here are working on.

LISTEN TO MARY ROBINSON TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE