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PM Jacinda Ardern has wished New Zealand a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday to come in a video she posted online.

She congratulated New Zealanders on fighting for one of the toughest and challenging years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She mentioned Christmas will look differing for a lot of families this year — “I want to acknowledge those still dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 or who are separated from their loves ones due to the global pandemic.”

Essential workers were praised by the PM who work in managed isolation and quarantine facilities, hospitality and other industries that are staying open to serve the country over the holiday period.

“Many of you will be the same people who also stayed working through lockdown to keep New Zealand going. So you are owed an even bigger than normal thank you this year,” Jacinda Ardern said.

“Congratulations on getting through this year. It's been pretty tough, but we made it through together. Have a very Merry Christmas, stay safe on the roads and have a wonderful holiday.”

Image/Video: SUPPLIED

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This publication comes at a cost and time but is free to read — thisquality will never paywall content as news should always be accessible at any given moment. It doesn't have to be much, as we give you a choice to choose what you want to contribute, and we ask that you consider donating to continue reading more of our news sourced from trustworthy official government and independent newswires around New Zealand at your price.

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