(TAN): It appears only a few New Zealanders are going to make use of the much-hyped trans-Tasman travel bubble owing to its ‘one way’ nature, Stuff said in a report.
From October 16, New Zealanders will be able to travel to New South Wales and the Northern Territory in Australia without having to quarantine upon arrival. But on return, travellers will have to complete 14 days of managed isolation in New Zealand, and pay the NZD 3,100 (USD 2,060) quarantine fee. Also, Australians are still not allowed to travel to New Zealand.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesperson said, officials from Australia and New Zealand are continuing to discuss all aspects of two-way trans-Tasman travel, which New Zealand remains committed to introducing as soon as it is safe.
[ALSO READ: Rambagh Palace named India’s best hotel]
According to local travel agencies, the limited bubble will generally only benefit New Zealanders wanting to travel to Australia for emergencies and major events, along with Australia-based Kiwis who have been in New Zealand during the pandemic and want to return home.
Mark Berger, founder of NZRelo, an online platform for New Zealanders living in Australia and considering moving there, said he does not think many Kiwis will make use of the limited bubble. “It’s not good for tourism, it’s not good for visiting friends and family, it’s not good for permanent relocations and it’s not going to aid any employment trends… It’s not really a bubble. A bubble would need to be reciprocal,” Berger was quoted as saying.
[ALSO READ: With 252 big cats, Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve has the highest tiger density in the world]
Also, the fact that Kiwis are not able to travel to Queensland, a favourite holiday spot, would put many off, as would the quarantine period and fee.
Earlier this month, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Kiwi counterpart Jacinda Ardern had agreed upon a limited travel bubble deal in which New Zealanders would be able to visit New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital; and the Northern Territory of Australia from October 16 without having to quarantine upon arrival.
Ardern however had made it clear that Kiwis have had to quarantine on their return home if they travel to Australia. Reacting to this Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Michael McCormack had said, “We want to make sure that there is two-way travel.”
Related posts:
Trans-Tasman travel bubble: States unhappy over management, Victoria threatens border closure
New Zealanders can travel to Australia from October 16
Australia could allow travel to New Zealand, create trans-Tasman bubble after COVID-19 travel restrictions are eased
New Zealand, Cook Islands travel bubble talks making ‘good progress’: Kiwi PM
