Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has declared New Zealand open for winter visitors – from atop a Queenstown ski field. Ardern joined hundreds of locals at The Remarkables ski area for the resort’s opening day on Saturday under bluebird skies, and following the biggest early season snowfall in decades. Ardern said Australian visitors accounted for more than 70% of international tourists who visited New Zealand ski fields. She had even heard a few “giddays” from Australians while at The Remarkables, but visitors on Saturday were overwhelmingly local. But by and large we are open, this is so cool to see, and I’m expecting a fantastic winter season.”

Source: Stuff June 18, 2022 07:26 UTC