‘Flyer beware’ if travel bubble bursts

also released a new traffic light system for dealing with potential Covid-19 outbreaks both in New Zealand and in Australia.

That system is based on three possibilities: continue, pause or suspend transtasman travel.

If, for example, a case was found that was quite clearly linked to the border and it was well contained, transtasman travel would continue as normal.

But if a case was found that was not clearly linked to the border and an Australian state responded with a short lockdown, flights to New Zealand from that state would likely be paused.

And if multiple cases of unknown origin were discovered, flights from that state, or states, to New Zealand would be suspended for a set period of time.

Although she said she was “excited” about the bubble coming into force, she did warn that quarantine-free travel would not be the same as it was before Covid-19.

“Those undertaking travel will do so under the guidance of ‘flyer beware’,” Ardern said.

There would be no Government assistance to anyone who gets stuck, Ardern confirmed. And there are a number of requirements people have to meet before they travel across the Tasman, quarantine-free.

Would-be travellers must not have had a positive Covid-19 test result within 14 days of their flight, or be awaiting a test result.

And those coming to New Zealand could be subject to “random temperature checks”.

The opening of the bubble means up to 1300 MIQ slots will open up.

But 500 of those slots would be kept as contingency spaces, in case there is a significant outbreak.