This week, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that a quarantine-free travel bubble with Australia will be established in the first quarter of 2021.

“It is our intention to name a date … in the new year, once remaining details are locked down. “New Zealand currently has the lowest Covid-19 mortality rate and lowest number of active cases of OECD countries,” the PM stated. 

This was described as the “first step” in normalising international travel by Australian health minister Greg Hunt. We understand it may take a few more weeks, but we are working constructively and patiently. New Zealand has been a great partner and I have previously spoken with my counterpart in New Zealand, they have done well through the pandemic,” Hunt pointed out.

However, being established, New Zealand must create a plan to see what will be done in case there is a resurgence in Australia. They will also need to identify the “safe zones”. 

A quarantine-free bubble would benefit both New Zealand and Australia. Hunt continued to explain that this “just means more people getting to see their loved ones or people being able to take a well-earned break and that’s good for Australians, it is good for New Zealanders.”

Australia is ready to commence the partnership but has to wait for New Zealand. “We understand it may take a few more weeks, but we are working constructively and patiently.” 

Hunt added on, “New Zealand has been a great partner and I have previously spoken with my counterpart in New Zealand, they have done well through the pandemic.”