EU opening ‘doesn’t change anything’

The European Union opening its gates to Kiwis doesn’t change anything for New Zealand’s border, Foreign Minister Winston Peters say.

Diplomats in the EU have told the BBC New Zealand has been deemed a ‘‘safe’’ country, one of 14 whose citizens will be permitted to enter Europe under border conditions to be signed off by the union this week.

A majority of EU countries had signed off on the list, the BBC reported, though there was some discussion about requiring ‘‘reciprocity’’ of open borders.

But Peters, speaking to RNZ yesterday, said the New Zealand border would remain closed to anyone but residents, citizens, or people with special exemptions, and a two-week quarantine would remain a requirement.

He said despite the EU plan, the Government would not change its border settings and compromise the country’s health.

‘‘We’re not changing our settings because of a praiseworthy statement from the EU.’’

The Government has floated the idea of charging Kiwis who leave New Zealand to holiday in places such as Europe, knowing they will have to spend two weeks at a ‘‘managed isolation’’ or quarantine hotel upon return.

‘‘I don’t think it’s too much to expect you to pay for your own quarantine when you get back from your holiday,’’ Peters said.

According to the BBC, Australia, Japan and Canada also on the EU’s list of safe countries.