Earlier postponed Chinese tourism event for Wellington will go ahead later this month, PM confirms

The China-NZ Year of Tourism launch is back on after being suddenly postponed last month.

Today Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the Wellington event would go ahead.

The event's aim is to strengthen economic ties between the two countries through tourism, but was postponed by China. 

When asked if its delay was a symbolic move, Ms Ardern said, "this was a scheduling issue".

After its delay, Ms Ardern said officials had been working with the Chinese Embassy to reschedule the official opening ceremony.

She said it would be held at Te Papa on March 29, forming part of a delegation visit from China which would include their Minister for Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang.

"This is an event that will be hosted by the Chinese Government. This is an opportunity for New Zealand to promote a wider range of regions."

Ms Ardern said she did not yet have information to share on whether she would travel to China in the near future.

"Ultimately the invatation was extended some time ago and we've been working on both sides to find a mutually convenient time for the visit."