Jacinda Adern has laid out a plan to reopen Auckland’s border from December 15th, vaccination or pre-departure tests will be required.
“Aucklanders have faced restrictions for an extended period of time to keep the rest of New Zealand safe. But with increased rates of vaccination, it’s time to open up the ability to travel again,” said Ardern.
People travelling out of Auckland will have to be either fully vaccinated or have a negative test within 72 hours of departure. This requirement will be in place for the core summer period of December 15, 2021, to January 17, 2022.
Ardern also said Cabinet will confirm on November 29 its decision to move Auckland to the new traffic light framework. She expects this transition to happen "soon" after that meeting. Auckland will move into Red, the highest level.
The rest of the country will move to the new framework at the same time.
The Prime Minister advised that Aucklanders will experience a change and lowering of restrictions before the border reopens from December 15 and she encouraged people to get their vaccine and vaccine pass ready.
The vaccine pass is "your ticket to summer", she said. It's essential under the traffic light system. Over 60,000 people have already downloaded their vaccination pass this morning (causing the system to briefly crash).
This updated plan will protect us over the next stage. It starts with high vaccination rates, the My Vaccine Pass and the traffic light framework. This may be one of our toughest periods to date, Ardern said.
