Wellington, 6 July 2022 (TDI): The Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Nanaia Mahuta, and Defence Minister Peeni Henare have announced Medical Assistance to respond against Covid-19 for Niue.
Niue is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, 2,400 kilometers (1,500 mi) northeast of New Zealand. New Zealand is sending medical supplies and a team to Niue to respond to the new cases of COVID-19.
A medical team will head on New Zealand Defense Force’s C-130 Hercules. The assistance is being provided after the request of the Government of Niue. New Covid-19 cases came up last week.
Moreover, Niue opened its border to quarantine-free travel last week. On 27th June, the first quarantine-free flight landed in Niue from New Zealand. The cases of Covid-19 were detected after the mandatory day-one testing of the passengers.
🇳🇿 has been working closely with 🇳🇺 as they prepared for their border reopening. Building on this mahi, we are sending a medical team and supplies to Niue on a C-130 tomorrow to further support their COVID-19 response. 🤝🏽 #manaakitanga @PeeniHenare https://t.co/QpFbvHJsvh
— Nanaia Mahuta (@NanaiaMahuta) July 5, 2022
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said that New Zealand has provided support to Niue since the outset of the pandemic. New Zealand has given them vaccine assistance, economic support, support from principal health advisers, and border policy setting.
She mentioned that the medical assistance team of nurses, doctors, and logistics personnel are going to support the Niuean health system. They have also provided additional rapid antigen tests and personal protective equipment.
She also said that New Zealand Defence Force is always ready to support its partners in the Pacific. Niue has very high vaccination rates. About 99% of people over five years have received their second dose.
93% of the population over 18 years have received booster doses. These vaccination rates provide the people with a strong guard against Covid-19.
In conclusion, she said that every traveler from New Zealand to Niue must follow local guidance. Also, they are committed to supporting Niue in this outbreak.
