Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand is again opening its arms to tourists and students from China, as the borders fully re-open today under Covid management.
She said she is looking forward to the resumption of ministerial visits with China as Covid allows, and she hoped to lead a business delegation herself "to renew and refresh in-person connections".
In a veiled reference to China's threats of "resolute and forceful measures" over a possible visit by US Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, Ardern called for "diplomacy, de-escalation and dialogue".
She also called on China to use its interest in the region to deal with climate change and to use its influence with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking at the China Business Summit in Auckland this morning, including Chinese ambassador Wang Xiaolong, she said New Zealanders were natural hosts.
"Manaakitanga streams through our veins and we open our arms to tourists and students including from China – which prior to 2020 was New Zealand's largest source of international students and second largest source of tourists.
"To those looking to make the journey, haere mai, we welcome you."
New Zealand's borders have been undergoing a phased reopening, with today being the first full day of open borders since Covid closed them in March 2020. China's borders, however, remain restricted as it pursues an elimination strategy.
Ardern spoke about international rules, norms and institutions being under threat, and pointed to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"As history shows us repeatedly, when large countries disregard sovereignty and territorial integrity with a sense of impunity, it does not bode well, particularly for small countries like New Zealand.
"And that's why, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and in line with its commitment to the UN Charter, we continue to urge China to be clear that it does not support the Russian invasion, and have called on China to use its access and influence to help bring an end to the conflict."