The travel bubble will be suspended for two months.
New Zealand has completely suspended the quarantine-free trans-Tasman travel bubble with Australia in response to the worsening COVID-19 outbreak across the country.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made an urgent call to New Zealanders in Australia to return home.
“There are now multiple outbreaks, and in differing stages of containment, that have forced three states into lockdown,” Ms Ardern said.
“The health risk to New Zealanders from these cases is increasing.
“Come home. We’re giving you seven days.”
The trans-Tasman bubble was previously put on hold with NSW, Victoria and South Australia but has now been suspended for the entire country.
“We’ve always said that our response would evolve as the virus evolved,” Ms Ardern said.
“Our team of 5 million has worked hard to put us in a strong position — both health wise and economically — and we will not risk that,” she added.
The suspension of the trans-Tasman travel bubble is set to remain in place for at least the next two months. It will be reviewed in September.
From 11:59pm tonight, Australians will be unable to travel to New Zealand but New Zealanders will be able to return home on managed return flights.
People returning from NSW will need to go through managed isolation.
Those returning from Victoria will be allowed to self-isolate at home.
People returning from outside of NSW and Victoria will not be required to go through managed isolation but will need a negative pre-departure test.
If you’re a New Zealander in Australia wanting to return home, see the NZ government website for more information on green flights.