The Super City is expected to open to New Zealanders on 15 December, however visitors to Auckland will be required either vaccinated or tested for Covid-19.
The prime minister said confirmation of the planned switch to the Covid-19 Protection Framework for all of New Zealand is still to be confirmed by cabinet. It is expected that Auckland would be ‘Red’ along with regions who have lower vaccination numbers and the balance of the country would be ‘Orange.’
Ardern said that this move would allow Aucklanders to leave the city for any reason between 15 December 2021 and 17 January 2022, however they would be required to have a vaccine pass or a negative test within 72 hours prior to departure. The conditions did not apply to children under 12 years of age.
Police would be enforcing the rules and managing the borders, those caught breaking the rules would be fined $1,000.
“We now have the unique advantage though of moving to the next phase of managing Covid-19 with a highly-vaccinated population, and with a plan,” Ardern said.
“Aucklanders have faced restrictions for an extended period of time to keep the rest of New Zealand safe. But the time is coming to change the way it works to allow all New Zealanders to reconnect with one another over summer as safely as possible.”
Checks for travellers out of Auckland Airport would be done at check-in, with Air New Zealand’s vaccine certificate or test requirements also commencing before 15 December. Interislander ferries will also require proof of vaccination or a pre-departure test.
“Vaccination or testing requirement for Air New Zealand, combined with the ability for the Interislander to operate the same regime, will mean all entry points for the South Island will be well covered, with checks to try and slow any potential spread.
The next phase for the international border is releasing the dates when people could safely apply for self-isolation sadi Ardern.
