Chris Hipkins and Dr Ashley Bloomfield have admitted they haven't been tested for COVID-19 as they encourage more Kiwis to take the test to bring rates back up.
Coronavirus testing rates have dipped in New Zealand since the last case in the community 90 days ago.
But the Ministry of Health has been urging Kiwis to continue to get tested for the virus as it is "one of our best lines of defence against COVID-19".
"As you know we have been working over the last few weeks to get those testing numbers up, the testing numbers in the community are still not at the level we are aiming for and we do need more to be done in that area," Health Minister Hipkins said on Thursday.
"I think people to some extent are feeling comfortable because of the position New Zealand is in and they don't necessarily see how important it is for us to keep our testing rates up. I don't think there is any ill intent by New Zealanders here, I don't think New Zealanders aren't willing to take one for the team if they need to, I just think at the moment they perhaps don't accept that they need to.
"My message to them is very, very clear: we need people to do their bit, we need people to take the test, if they are being offered the test they are being offered it for a reason."
He said that someone refusing a test could "be the difference between identifying a train of transmission or it going undetected in our community until it is too late".
But when asked, both the Minister and director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield confirmed they have not been tested for coronavirus so far.
However, Dr Bloomfield said if he was offered a test: "I wouldn't hesitate to come and get one".
The Ministry of Health has recently been battling with Kiwis who are reluctant to take the test, the nasal swab of which is notoriously uncomfortable, but Hipkins says the public needs to think about the greater good it could do.
"I am concerned that people are turning down tests," Hipkins said.
"I am not putting all of the blame back on the public for this, we are doing our bit as well. We all have to accept responsibility for getting the testing rate back up...
The Ministry has also issued new guidance to doctors around New Zealand to try and boost testing levels.
This comes as Kiwis in Queenstown and the south Auckland suburb of Manurewa have been encouraged to get tested after it emerged a South Korean case of coronavirus had spent time in the areas.
The Ministry of Health says there is no evidence of community transmission in New Zealand involving the case.
The areas will now be under targeted surveillance, and public health officials will be carrying out some additional contract tracing there.
"I am suggesting that anybody who has been in Queenstown from July 1-4 - a very short period before the school holidays - who may have had or have symptoms or may be concerned, please do get a test," Dr Bloomfield said.
"Likewise if people in Manurewa have symptoms ... you should seek advice and get a test. Others who may be concerned, you should reach out and if you'd like a test, that will of course be free."
