John Key is promising “a firm announcement” on the plan for a common border between Aust and NZ when he meets Aust’s PM Kevin Rudd in August. Such a development will be the most significant step in the trans-Tasman relationship for more than a decade, perhaps since CER was signed. Key who earlier ordered a feasibility study says it has been completed and he had discussions on it with Aust’s Foreign Minister Stephen Smith last week. “Things are moving well, and hopefully there will be good news (in August).” Earlier this week Key was celebrating the record high of 1,001,800 Australians coming to NZ in the year to May 31, the first time it has surpassed the million in any 12 months.

A common border could help to sustain this growth in the trans-Tasman tourism trade. Incoming MFAT chief executive John Allen who as co-chair of the Trans-Tasman Leadership Forum was a strong advocate of not only a common border but other major developments, even a common currency, can be expected to inject more vigour at the official level to accelerate progress on other outstanding issues in the relationship between the 2 countries.

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