Jacinda Ardern announces two-way travel to begin within the first quarter of 2021.
Australians will be able to fly to New Zealand early next year without quarantining after Jacinda Ardern today announced a date would be set within weeks.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Federal Government welcomed the announcement, which was a step towards normalcy.
“We are ready to implement from our side as soon as New Zealand is ready,” Mr Hunt said.
“We understand it may take a few more weeks, but we are working constructively and patiently.”
Ms Ardern said the two-way bubble would be set in the first quarter of 2021, and she was not ready to take the risk of opening New Zealand to Australia before Christmas.
“The big focus for me right now is everyone in New Zealand to be able to experience and enjoy a free summer,” she said.
We haven’t taken risks before that mean New Zealanders won’t be able to keep their freedoms, and I certainly don’t want to take those risks now.”
Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said the resumption of two way travel was a “glimmer of hope” for the tourism industry.
“Australia’s tourism industry wants to stand on its own two feet as soon as possible and restarting some two way quarantine-free international travel with New Zealand is a step in the right direction,” he said.
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“New Zealand is a huge part of Australian tourism and getting people moving in a COVID-safe way between our countries will provide an economic lift and save thousands of jobs.”
Ms Ardern’s government also agreed to start a bubble with the Cook Islands.
Further Perth news on COVID-19 news on SoPerth.com.au.
