The country had just started easing some of the world's toughest measures and international border restrictions. Meanwhile, Australia has ruled out further lockdowns. DW has the latest.
New Zealand on Tuesday postponed the reopening of its borders until the end of February over concerns about the spread of the omicron variant.
The country had planned to ease its international border restrictions from January, with all foreign tourists being allowed into the country by April. Non-quarantine travel for New Zealand citizens in Australia, which was supposed to open from January 16, will be pushed back until the end of February.
"There's no doubt this is disappointing and will upset many holiday plans, but it's important to set these changes out clearly today so they can have time to consider those plans," said COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins at a press conference.
