The relative success of Asia-Pacific countries in managing the Covid-19 virus means they will be at the front of the queue when New Zealand eventually reopens its borders, ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley told a Queenstown audience yesterday. Until the Government began reopening the borders, the resort would have to survive on domestic tourism, which historically made up only 35% of visitor spending. Philanthropist Sir Eion Edgar asked Mr Tuffley which political party or grouping he thought was best placed to govern the country through the Covid-19 crisis. Mr Tuffley replied he wanted all political parties to explain their "master plan" for the future. Although the Labour and National parties were committed to a Covid elimination strategy, neither had said what they would do if that strategy became unsustainable.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 18, 2020 14:15 UTC