Opening borders

WELLINGTON - Three influential New Zealand figures are urging the government to consider reopening the borders, and abandon a strategy of totally eliminating COVID-19.

Former chief science adviser

Sir Peter Gluckman, former prime minister Helen Clark and ex-Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe say an extended delay in opening the borders will cause huge damage to the country’s economy and social wellbeing.

The current quarantine and testing processes are “ineffective” and could “come to haunt” the country if they are not replaced, they warn. And they should be replaced with more efficient and aggressive processes.