Closer defence, easier travel on trans-Tasman agenda
Anthony Albanese will wrap up his overnight trip to New Zealand with a visit to the national war memorial and a street stroll through downtown Wellington.
The Australian Prime Minister was in the NZ capital on Thursday morning for annual leaders’ talks with counterpart Chris Hipkins, pledging to explore easier travel across the trans-Tasman border.
“Today, we agreed to put together a joint Australia-New Zealand expert group, with a clear deadline of 12 months, to scope initiatives to move closer towards seamless travel across the Tasman,” Mr Hipkins said on Wednesday.
The measure was applauded by tourism bodies in both countries.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram said security concerns and complexities could be overcome.
“Technology is fast moving and can be used to make the experience of crossing the Tasman quicker and easier,” Ms Ingram said.
Wednesday’s bilateral was the fifth meeting of the two leaders since Mr Hipkins took office in January.
On an Anzac Day trip, Mr Albanese announced a vast expansion of citizenship eligibility for New Zealanders, allowing them direct access to an Aussie passport if they have lived in Australia for four years.
Mr Albanese said 10,000 have already applied.
“That will strengthen those people-to-people relations,” he said.
The pair discussed deepening defence ties, shared strategic challenges, climate change, trade and more in a wide-ranging chat before heading to the FIFA Fan Festival to watch the Women’s World Cup over a beer.
Mr Albanese said the co-hosted tournament showed the closeness of the relationship between Canberra and Wellington.
The day finished with a gala dinner at Government House with about 100 business, cultural and political heavyweights.
– AAP