I am pleased to announce that as Matariki signals the start of a new year, Aotearoa New Zealand is preparing to fully reopen our border
Jakarta (ANTARA) - New Zealand will open its borders on July 31, 2022, for tourists, business representatives, workers, families, and international students, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Indonesia Kevin Burnett has informed.



"I am pleased to announce that as Matariki signals the start of a new year, Aotearoa New Zealand is preparing to fully reopen our border," Burnett said during a press conference at the New Zealand Embassy here on Wednesday.



Matariki is the Māori New Year that New Zealand officially celebrated for the first time on June 24.


Related news: Indonesia-New Zealand bilateral meeting held on sidelines of APEC



The process of reopening the country's borders will be undertaken gradually, with the nation reopening fully from 11:59 p.m. on July 31 after two years of closure, he informed.



This will be an opportunity to revive face-to-face contact and connection between New Zealand and Indonesia, he remarked.



Many New Zealanders have returned to Indonesia to meet loved ones and enjoy what the country has to offer ever since Indonesia reopened its borders, he noted.


Related news: Indonesia, New Zealand discuss multisectoral cooperation


He said he expects that, with New Zealand reopening, it will be Indonesians’ turn to experience what New Zealand can provide.



The press conference also featured several unique delicacies from the island country such as Kiwi burgers, sausage rolls, pavlova, New Zealand Dazzle apples, Zespri Kiwi Fruit, and Harraways oats.



"All those products are 100 percent made in New Zealand," Burnett remarked.



Matariki is New Zealand's first national day that formally recognizes the Māori World and is unique to the nation, he explained.



"Matariki signals the start of a new year. It is an opportunity for us to pause, and to reflect on the past, celebrate our present, and look forward to our shared future," he remarked.


Related news: President, First Lady observe war damages in Irpin, Ukraine

Related news: Amin optimistic of President's Ukraine visit initiating peace

Reporter: Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022