Amid growing criticism of the managed isolation and quarantine system, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is scheduled to announce today New Zealand’s plans to reconnect to the world.
The New Zealand Herald reported yesterday borders would open on February 27 to returning New Zealanders and critical workers from Australia, who would be able to bypass MIQ.
New Zealanders in the rest of the world should be able to return in mid-March.
The newspaper understands the Government will let vaccinated New Zealanders coming from Australia return and self-isolate, rather than stay in MIQ, after February 27.
In mid-March, that will likely extend to vaccinated New Zealanders from other countries.
Special provisions will also be made for critical workers, to try to address skills shortages.
It is likely home isolation periods for those travellers will mirror those set for close contacts of Omicron cases domestically.
The isolation period is now 10 days but will change to one week when Omicron is more widespread, in phase two of the pandemic response plan.
Novotel Queenstown general manager and Queenstown Wanaka Hoteliers group member Jim Moore welcomed any relaxing of the borders, now that a large proportion of the population was vaccinated and the world was opening up.
"We expect that a staged opening of countries is likely to happen, and for air routes and capacity to be key considerations in how quickly markets return.
"We have demand from overseas agents, but they have redirected much of their business to countries that have been open over the last couple of years."
He said it would be a challenge for Tourism New Zealand and agents working in this market to reignite much-needed demand from international markets for both leisure travel and for conferences, meetings and incentives.
The international market was 75% of Queenstown’s market prior to Covid, and would continue to be vitally important to the success of the region.
"If on opening of the borders, there is still MIQ and/or isolation requirements, it will rule out most visitors, and while it would open up to friends and family coming into the country, this would dramatically subdue any other visitors.
"Australia’s example of reopening working holiday visa entry prior to fully opening borders needs to be followed here, because the region is suffering one of its biggest staffing shortages — mostly due to a growing number of new businesses but also because of closed borders."
Otago Motel Association president Pete Firns was also keen to see the borders open safely and sustainably as soon as possible.
He said the postponement of the January 17 opening was disappointing for businesses and people trying to get back into the country.
"What we’re really keen to hear is that, once they announce it, it’s something they know they can follow through with, rather than postpone it again.
"I would rather hear the border is definitely going to open in July, than hear it is going to open in April and then come mid-March it gets pushed back again.
"Any Government announcement will hopefully be accompanied by enough information about the rationale behind their decision, to give people the confidence that that decision is going to be followed through.
"Everyone needs certainty."
