Family and friends in Australia eagerly awaiting to reunite with loved ones in New Zealand can begin travel plans with this week’s announcement that the border will reopen to vaccinated New Zealanders from Australia at 11:59 PM 27 February. For New Zealanders in other parts of the world, the borders will reopen on 13 March.
COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister for Immigration Kirs Faafoi made the announcement today.
Minister Hipkins said, the government’s reconnecting plan will see all New Zealanders and key visa holders able to start to enter the country over the coming 3 months.
” This is a very carefully developed plan that replaces MIQ for the vast majority of travelers while ensuring we maintain ongoing measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community from recent arrivals.”
- Border will reopen to vaccinated New Zealanders from Australia at 11.59pm 27 February
- Reopens to New Zealanders in the rest of the world on 13 March
- MIQ removed for most travelers in phased reconnection, replaced by self-isolation and tests on-arrival
- MIQ to remain for the unvaccinated
- Five – step plan prioritises returning New Zealanders and brings forward the reopening of key visa categories in just over 5 weeks ‘ time in order to address worker shortages.
- Further visa categories reopen throughout the year to help accelerate economic recovery
Minister Hipkins said, “the plan is built in protections to help manage risks such as future variants. A phased approach to reopening reduces the risk of a surge of cases, while prioritising the return of New Zealand and much needed skilled workers.”
Source: The Office of Hon Chris Hipkins and Hon Kris Faafoi
