INTERNATIONAL: New Zealand has announced on Wednesday,March 16, it would open its border for some visitors earlier than previously forecast, hoping an influx of tourists will boost the economy.

Vaccinated Australians can travel to New Zealand from April 12 and then from May 1 tourists from visa-waiver countries such as the United States and Britain will be able to visit, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said at a news conference.

The border is not expected to fully reopen until October under the current plan but Ardern has said this could be brought forward.

All visitors must be vaccinated and provide a negative COVID-19 test before departure, and would be tested on arrival and then on their sixth day in New Zealand, Ardern said. They would not have to isolate.

^{PHOTO: SOUNDBITES FROM NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER}