The Government is mulling vaccine passports, testing protocols and requiring travellers to be vaccinated should the currently suspended trans-Tasman bubble re-open.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today announced New Zealand's phased border plan for next year, which included grouping countries based on risk, impacting a traveller's MIQ requirements. Their vaccination status would also play a part in that.
When asked what the plan could mean for the trans-Tasman bubble, Ardern said the Government was getting advice on "what to do" with the suspended bubble, which will be reviewed later in September.
Work the Government was doing for the phased re-opening of borders included vaccine passports and testing protocol.
Ardern said they wanted to consider whether those additional requirements would be able to support re-opening with Australia, should the bubble open up again.
"We are not going to open if we consider there is too much risk to New Zealand, that includes if there continues to be uncontrolled outbreaks in certain states," Ardern said.
On Thursday, New South Wales recorded 345 new community cases, a day after it recorded 356 new community cases - again breaking a new daily record.
The same day, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said requiring travellers within the trans-Tasman bubble to be vaccinated was "certainly a possibility".
"I certainly wouldn't rule that out, that is something we will actively be exploring over the next few weeks."
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