This statement can be attributed to Peter Elms, INZ National Manager Border. The New Zealand border is currently closed to all but New Zealand citizens and residents and foreign nationals who are determined to have a critical purpose for coming to .
New Zealand's government said on Friday its finances were in better shape than expected, as deficit and debt figures came in lower than it forecast last year after the coronavirus outbreak crippled the economy.
The Minister of Immigration is reminding tour and other event organisers of the importance to have all COVID-19 border requirements approved and in place.
Immigration Minister reminding importance of COVID-19 border requirements
It follows a charter cruise vessel’s decision to set sail for New Zealand last month before ensuring all those on board had the necessary visas for entry to this country.Devdiscourse News Desk | Wellington | Updated: 29-01-2021 09:36 IST | Created: 29-01-2021 09:36 IST
“New Zealand’s strict COVID border controls have been in place for many months now to keep New Zealanders safe and control spread of the virus. Image Credit: ANI
The Minister of Immigration is reminding tour and other event organisers of the importance to have all COVID-19 border requirements approved and in place before trying to enter New Zealand.
Robyn Edie/Stuff
Heritage Expeditions co-owner Nathan Russ talks about the work his company did to gain government approval to operate the first expedition or cruise ship in New Zealand since lockdown (first published November 2020).
Le Lapérouse was due to arrive in Auckland on Saturday after getting Ministry of Health permission to run a series of domestic cruises starting next week, but on Thursday as the vessel approached New Zealand, Immigration NZ officials refused visa exemptions for 61 crewmembers classed as hotel staff. The New Zealand Cruise Association said it was “shocked and quite simply bewildered” at moves to prevent the vessel coming here because all the ship’s crew were essential to its operation, and could not be replaced by New Zealanders in such a short time.