New Zealand will hold a referendum on legalising the recreational use of cannabis in the next three years, its prime minister-elect has pledged.

Jacinda Ardern said she did not personally support imprisoning people for using cannabis but wanted to hear New Zealanders' views.

Ms Ardern received a standing ovation at a meeting of her Labour Party.

She will head a three-way coalition with the Greens and nationalist party New Zealand First (NZF).