Politics

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's US trade delegation planned for May

10:12 am on 15 February 2022

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's visit to the United States has been set down for May.

Photo: RNZ / Nick Munro

Ardern this month announced she planned to lead trade delegations to Australia, Asia, Europe and the US this year, and shared details of the latter trip in a statement this morning.

The brief note confirmed the trip largely on the west coast of the country had been set down for May, and would focus on high-tech exports.

She was also to be billed as the principal speaker at Harvard University's Commencement.

It comes as part of the government's "Reconnection" strategy, which would have international borders reopen in stages from the end of February.

New Zealanders and other eligible travellers would be able to enter New Zealand without going into quarantine from Australia from 28 February, and from the rest of the world from 14 March.

Some other visas would gain entry from 13 April, Australians could travel from July, and normal international travel is planned to resume in October or earlier if possible.

The government last year secured initial agreement on a free trade deal with the UK, and has been working on an agreement with the European Union for some years.

Ardern's office said further information about her overseas trips would be released as planning and consultation progressed.