New Zealand has successfully contained the coronavirus, with zero domestic infections and zero new cases for 21 consecutive days.
From June 9th, the COVID-19 alert level was lowered to Level 1, the most lenient level.
This is bringing us even closer to our original New Zealand roots.
Newest shopping centre opens in Auckland
As if waiting for Level 1, a new shopping mall, Commercial Bay, opened in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city.
The facility, which houses many domestic and international brands and restaurants, was bustling with people from the first day it opened.
As you can see in this video, neither masks nor social distancing are required.
The opening ceremony was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who cut the ribbon.
Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off
Super Rugby Aotearoa, a New Zealand-only Super Rugby competition, kicks off on June 13th. It's a sporting event that everyone in New Zealand has been looking forward to for a long time!
Of course, the games will not be held without spectators, and a total of 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the matches to be held at two venues.
Beauden Barrett, a member of the New Zealand All Blacks and popular in Japan, made his Blues debut at Eden Park, the Blues' home ground in Auckland!
Air New Zealand resumes Auckland-Narita route
Air New Zealand, which had cancelled all flights until August 31st, has now resumed its Tokyo-Auckland flight once a week.
However, of course, Japanese people are prohibited from traveling to New Zealand unless they have permanent residency or special permission.
Even if they are able to enter the country, they will be required to undergo 14 days of quarantine, so this will likely be difficult for New Zealanders living in Japan who are thinking of going back to New Zealand.
However, it's great news for those who have been looking forward to returning home!
It seems like it will be a while before we can accept tourists from overseas again.
Teams competing in the 2021 America's Cup will also be entering the country.
Although it will be some time before we are able to accept tourists, restrictions on foreigners entering the country are gradually being relaxed.
As one example, teams participating in the 36th America's Cup, an international yacht race to be held in Auckland next March, have been allowed into the country.
The America's Cup has been held since 1851 and is the oldest trophy currently in use in sporting competitions.
The New Zealand team won the last tournament held in Bermuda in 2017. Most America's Cup tournaments have been won by American teams, but New Zealand has won three times since 2000. They are expected to win the next tournament as well.
Since tourists from overseas are one of the country's major sources of income, the closure of the border will be a major blow to many businesses in New Zealand. We are waiting for the development of a vaccine or a cure for the new coronavirus as soon as possible.
