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Could New Zealand be joining Eurovision? Watch this space...

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Sun, 24 Jun 2018, 5:22PM
Is New Zealand about to join Eurovision...? (Image / File)
Is New Zealand about to join Eurovision...? (Image / File)

Could New Zealand be joining Eurovision? Watch this space...

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Sun, 24 Jun 2018, 5:22PM

The EU Trade Commissioner says New Zealand would be 'very welcome' to join the Eurovision song contest.

Cecilia Malmstrom was in the country during the week to launch free trade talks between New Zealand and the EU.

It followed her visit to Australia, where she jokingly described their participation in Eurovision as an example of their deep cultural ties.

Malmstrom told TVNZ's Q+A programme she's sure we'd be welcome too.

"The Aussies just joined, so why don't you?" she said.

She joked that she doesn't know the formal procedures for that, but she could look into it.

The relationship between New Zealand and the EU was described as "very good" by Malmstrom, but she reckons joining Eurovision might make that relationship even stronger.

The Eurovision Song Contest is held each year, primarily between countries of the European Broadcasting Union - although Australia has been allowed in as a guest entrant since 2015.

This year, Australia placed 20th with their contestant Jessica Mauboy.

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