Ardern says it is up to the Fijian Government to make its own decision on lockdown

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has told the NZ media her advice is the lockdown strategy for COVID-19 has saved lives.

According to Radio NZ, Ardern told New Zealand media it was up to the Fijian Government to make its own decision, but offered some advice.

She says lockdown, for New Zealand, has saved lives and it has also benefited their economy.

But Ardern says these choices are for governments.

She says New Zealand’s help and assistance will be there regardless of what strategy Fiji adopts.

Ardern says Fiji is New Zealand’s neighbours and she thinks no one wants to see any country suffering under the full effects of an outbreak.

She says she had spoken to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama last week and offered wide ranging support, having already provided $40 million in aid, plus protective equipment, specialists, and offered future vaccines.

Ardern said acknowledging that Fiji of course have the right to make their own decisions.

The NZ Government will also provide 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca to Fiji.