New Zealand: Officials enforcing Level 3 restrictions in Upper Northland as of Nov. 3 due to COVID-19 concerns /update 29

Event

The New Zealand government is implementing Level 3 restrictions in Upper Northland until at least 23:59 Nov. 8, after discovering two seemingly unlinked COVID-19 cases. The affected area is north of Hokianga Harbour, Mangamuka junction on State Highway 1, and the Kaeo Bridge on State Highway 10. Residents must stay home to the extent possible except for essential needs, emergencies, employment, and exercise. Social gatherings cannot occur, except for permitted events like weddings and funerals, with attendance capped at 10 people. Individuals must adhere to a social bubble consisting of only household members. Nonessential retail and restaurants and cafes can operate takeaway and delivery services only. Residents cannot travel to other areas of New Zealand unless for a permitted purpose.

Authorities have extended Level 3, Step 1 measures in Auckland through 23:59 Nov. 9. Officials allow up to 10 members from no more than two households to congregate outdoors. Individuals can move within the city for recreation, including going to beaches and parks. People must wear facemasks at public gatherings, except when eating or drinking. Essential businesses and services continue to operate; more establishments may offer click-and-collect services and contactless delivery. Nonessential companies, such as retail, personal care services, and entertainment venues, remain closed. The government plans to reduce controls in Auckland from 23:59 Nov. 9.

Officials will further ease measures in Waikato to Level 3, Step 2 on the government's four-tier alert system, until 23:59 Nov. 15. Under the adjusted rules, officials will allow up to 25 people to congregate outdoors; the government will also lift the two-household limit for gatherings. Authorities will also permit retail and public facilities, such as libraries, to reopen, with physical distancing and facemasks required. The government could announce additional restrictions under Step 2 in the coming days.

Hospitality and personal service companies remain closed in Auckland and Waikato; food establishments may only offer delivery and takeaway services. Bus services continue to operate on a reduced schedule. Travel to, from, and between Level 3 areas remains limited. Exemptions are possible for receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, accessing healthcare, airport transfer, and attending court, among others. Business travel across regions of different alert levels can occur for essential workers in sectors like accommodation, construction, food delivery, and freight services. Workers must continue to telecommute where possible. Employees that need to work on-site must adhere to health protocols like wearing facemasks, physical distance requirements, and keeping a record of visitors using the COVID Tracer application or physical log.

All other areas of New Zealand are implementing Level 2 restrictions. Businesses may operate with health protocols in place. Some indoor public facilities, such as gyms, require people to stay at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) apart. Public transport services are operational, though passengers may not stand on board the vehicles. Facemasks are mandatory in most public venues. Indoor venues may hold up to 50 people, while attendance at outdoor events is limited to 100 people. Residents south of Auckland cannot stop in the city if traveling to Northland.

The government requires all businesses and public facilities nationwide to post quick response (QR) codes at entrances to improve contact tracing, regardless of alert level. A ban on cruise ships entering New Zealand ports remains in place; cargo and fishing vessels can load, unload, and undertake repairs.

International Travel Restrictions
An entry ban for most foreign nationals remains in place. Officials permit partners and dependents of citizens who hold a visa based on the relationship or usually reside in New Zealand and diplomats to enter without prior government consent. Authorities also allow partners, dependents, legal guardians of citizens, and diplomats to enter the country. Australian citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand, Samoan and Tongan citizens on essential trips approved by their governments, and travelers for humanitarian reasons can also enter. From Nov. 1, authorities will require non-New Zealand citizens to be fully vaccinated to enter the country. Quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and Australia remains suspended through at least Nov. 19. The government has designated Brazil, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea as very high risk. Only citizens, partners, dependents, and parents of citizens can fly directly from these locations into New Zealand; all other permitted travelers must spend 14 days outside of very high-risk countries before traveling to New Zealand.

The government allows entry for some critical workers on special visas provided companies demonstrate that the employee is working on infrastructure projects or possesses technical skills unobtainable within the country. Some essential long-term workers can also enter, provided they meet short-term entrance criteria and earn twice the median salary in the country or participate in a government-backed event. Authorities require people from these groups to receive permission before traveling to the country and review applications for travel on a case-by-case basis.

Authorities require most inbound international passengers to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure. Exemptions exist for individuals traveling from Antarctica, some Pacific Island nations and territories, and some countries where widespread COVID-19 testing is unavailable. Exceptions are also in effect for passengers who cannot receive a test due to medical reasons or previously recovered from COVID-19 but still return a positive test; in both instances, individuals must obtain a medical certificate certifying the information. Authorities will accept negative COVID-19 test results for passengers whose flights get delayed 24 hours or less. Passengers that do not meet pre-departure testing requirements may face a fine of up to NZD 1,000.

Inbound passengers must either quarantine or undergo managed isolation upon arrival. Most arrivals must undergo a COVID-19 test within 24 hours after arrival and on days three and 12 of quarantine and receive a negative result before departing facilities. Entrants without symptoms must spend 14 days at a managed isolation facility. Passengers flying to New Zealand must obtain a Managed Isolation Allocation system voucher to board a flight. Symptomatic arrivals or people who test positive for COVID-19 must undergo quarantine. Vessel crews arriving in New Zealand must isolate onboard for at least 14 days; journey time can be counted toward quarantine if verified by customs.

Officials charge quarantine fees of NZD 3,100 for the first person, NZD 950 for each additional adult, and NZD 475 per child for citizens and permanent residents. Children under three years of age are exempt if staying with another person. New Zealand citizens and residence visa holders and Australian citizens and permanent residents who typically reside in New Zealand are exempt from costs if they departed the country before Aug. 11, 2020, and intend to return home longer than 90 days. Temporary visa holders are exempt from fees if they were residents in New Zealand as of March 19, 2020, and were outside the country before that date. Quarantine fees are higher for permitted critical workers and most short-term permitted entrants - including partners of citizens and residents and students, work, and limited visa holders to NZD 5,520 for the first individual, NZD 2,990 for each additional adult, and NZD 1,610 per child. Companies can cover the quarantine costs for inbound critical workers.

Advice

Consider postponing travel to New Zealand if affected by restrictions. Confirm flight status if allowed entry into the country. Follow all official instructions and allow additional time for immigration and health screenings.

Resources

New Zealand Government COVID-19 Information
Managed Isolation and Quarantine
Ministry of Health