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New Zealand to begin phased international reopening, starting from 27 February

New Zealand will soon begin a phased reopening to the world, dismantling the hard borders which have kept the country safe from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, starting with Kiwis in Australia this month.

New Zealand will soon begin a phased reopening to the world, dismantling the hard borders which have kept the country safe from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, starting with Kiwis in Australia this month.

New Zealand has been largely adrift from the world for almost two years in a tough-as-nails approach to keeping the virus out.

From February 27, fully vaccinated Kiwis based in Australia will be allowed to sidestep mandatory hotel quarantine (MIQ), and instead self-isolate on arrival.

Two weeks later, from March 13, Kiwis further abroad will also be able to enter New Zealand, as will skilled workers and working holiday visa holders.

At first, arrivals will need to self-isolate for 10 days, but once New Zealand moves to “phase two” of the Omicron outbreak that period will drop to 7 days, meaning returning Kiwis will be treated the same way close contacts within New Zealand now.

By no later than July, all Australians will be able to enter – subject to the same self-isolation requirements of 7-days.

“There is a high likelihood of this date coming forward as we progress through the next stage of the pandemic,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in Auckland on Thursday, announcing the changes.

Finally, by October, the government has pledged borders will “fully reopen to visitors from anywhere in the world, and all visa categories fully reopen”.

As part of the changes, all arrivals will be given three rapid antigen tests at the airport to take home – one for initial use, one for use later in isolation, and another as a backup.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has proved to be one of New Zealand's top tourist destinations and a not-to-be-missed experience. Image credit: ©Clinton Lloyd/Hurunui Tourism
Aaaand, breathe. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. Image credit: ©Clinton Lloyd/Hurunui Tourism

“Now it is time, to move forward together, safely,” Ms Ardern said.

“That gives us the best chance of identifying cases that have come across the border.”

NZ’s border policies have minimised the loss of life during the pandemic, first eliminating COVID-19 in 2020, then delaying the arrival of the Delta and Omicron variants.

However, there have been growing calls to lessen quarantine provisions – known locally as MIQ – as Kiwis seek easier pathways in and out of Aotearoa.

“It’s easy to hear the word MIQ and immediately associate it with heartache. There is no question, that for New Zealand, it has been one of the hardest parts of the pandemic,” Ms Ardern said.

“The anguish of MIQ has been real, and heartbreaking. But the choice to use it undeniably saved lives.”

The government will now downscale MIQ, but keep it in place for high-risk travellers, including the unvaccinated.

Source: AAP