'Safe' New Zealand to reopen borders early

New Zealand will scrap its strict border controls early because the country's world-leading pandemic response has made it "a safe place to visit", PM Jacinda Ardern said Wednesday. "We're ready to welcome the world back," Ardern said. "I'm proud that New Zealand is a country able at this moment in time to provide a safe place for our tourists to return to." Ardern said that vaccinated Australians could visit without undergoing quarantine or self-isolation from April, rather than the July date originally planned. Travellers from nations that have visa-free arrangements with New Zealand - including major markets in the Northern Hemisphere, Japan, Singapore, Korea and Taiwan -- will be allowed to do the same from May 1. Ardern described the change as a major boost for New Zealand's struggling tourism industry. "We are ready to safely move into a new chapter of our management of the pandemic, this change brings with it huge economic opportunities," she said. Air New Zealand welcomed the change, saying it was ready to ramp up services to meet demand. "It's no secret the past two years have been extremely turbulent for people -- there's a real buzz today," airline CE Greg Foran said. "New Zealand holds a special place in many people's hearts, whether they’re a Kiwi or visitor, touching down on New Zealand soil will be a moment to remember." The announcement did not cover arrivals from countries such as China and India, where visas are required to visit New Zealand, who must currently self isolate for 10 days upon arrival.<br/>