Yachties: Covid rules favour the rich
A rule that allows foreign-owned yachts into New Zealand under Covid-19 restrictions, as long as they spend at least $50,000 on a refit, has been criticised as favouring the rich.
Under the rules, foreign vessels are not allowed into the country unless they have an exemption for the likes of a major refit, or for work, such as fishing. Crew must also undertake 14 days’ isolation.
The rules are strictly applied, with three Germans deported in September for sailing into Opua, in the Bay of Islands, without the right exemption.
But the refit rules have drawn the ire of New Zealand’s sailing community, who say it favours the rich over more modest yachties who have traditionally spent the cyclone season here.
The rules specifically say avoiding the upcoming cyclone season in the Pacific is not a compelling need or genuine humanitarian reason for coming to the country, leaving 300 yachts in the South Pacific at risk.
Any refits or repairs must be major for an exemption, with $50,000 being an ‘‘absolute minimum spend’’, according to a Ministry of Health spokesperson.
Renowned blue water sailor and writer Lin Pardey said New Zealand should be more open to modest foreign sailors, who still have plenty to contribute. ‘‘These are some of the best people we could get into New Zealand.’’
It is not safe for yachts to stay in the Pacific where 10 tropical cyclones are forecast to hit, as there are only a handful of safe anchorages, said Pardey, who now lives on Auckland’s Kawau Island.
But many of these sailors would take a year, going against the prevailing winds, to return to their homes in Europe and the US.
Most are now staying in areas that are Covid-free, such as Fiji, and can isolate safely on their boats, she said.
The Ministry of Health said the bar for vessels to qualify for a humanitarian exemption was necessarily high, to avoid creating an unwanted ‘‘back door’’ into New Zealand.