New Zealand is 'fully open for business', says trade minister

AFTER enduring the better part of the last 2 years with some of the world's strictest pandemic restrictions in place, the message from the New Zealand government today is that the country is ready to roll out the welcome mat to overseas travellers and foreign investors in a big way once again.

The harsh lockdown measures in what was once known as "Fortress New Zealand" have largely eased, there is no longer a need for vaccine passes and mandates, daily caseloads have fallen, and international travel - both inbound and outbound - is gradually resuming. From 11.59 pm on May 1, fully vaccinated travellers from visa-waiver countries including Singapore can enter New Zealand without the need for quarantine upon arrival.

"Yes, we are fully open for business. There's a huge amount of pent-up energy," said Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O'Connor on Wednesday (Apr 20), as he urged companies big and small from Singapore, the region and beyond to invest in New Zealand.