New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister has followed suit with Australia and announced today that New Zealand will lift all travel santions against Fiji.
Murray McCully says Fiji deserves recognition from the international community for its progress towards holding free and fair elections.
He says several steps have led to his decision, including the appointment of electoral commissioners, and the stepping down of Rear Admiral Bainimarama as the head of the Military.
He also says the release of the electoral decree and the announcement of the date are significant moves.
Mr McCully says the changes will also mean New Zealand Government departments can work directly with their Fiji counterparts.
