While COVID-19 vaccine pass requirements might be a thing of the past, some bars, restaurants and airlines are still asking to see them before allowing entry.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on March 23 vaccine mandates will be removed for all sectors except health, disability and aged care workers, as well as prison and border staff.
The changes came into effect at 11:59pm on Monday night, the second tranche of adjustments the Government has recently made to New Zealand's COVID-19 response after removing outdoor gathering limits, increasing indoor gathering sizes and dropping QR code scanning.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in March vaccine passes were no longer as necessary because the vast majority of Kiwis are vaccinated or have had COVID with the new changes coming into effect at 11:59pm on Monday night.
Most businesses have scrapped them according to business groups Newshub has spoken to. McDonald's has also confirmed they no longer require passes.
But many businesses are still requiring them while cases remain high, most citing their desire to create a safe space for customers, staff or performers.
This includes:
- Hashigo Zake, Wellington
- Neck Of The Woods, Auckland
- The Wine Cellar, Auckland
- Woof! Dunedin
- The Portsider, Dunedin
- Whammy Bar, Auckland
- Circotica Circus School, Christchurch
"After much deliberation we’ve made the decision to continue using the Vaccine Pass, for the time being. With case numbers still high in our region, we want to do everything we can to create a safe space," The Portsider said on their Facebook page.
Hashigo Zake said on their Facebook page: "As of today [Tuesday] we’re no longer required to check vaccine passes to be allowed in here. But as a service to the many people uneasy about racing back to CBD hospitality venues, we’re continuing to require vaccine passes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
"More importantly, we’re continuing to work on ventilation and air purification. Our ventilation system lets us control the rate of air inflow in each room. We’ve got an air purifier in action right now and are deploying two more very soon."
Neck of the Woods said: "Going the extra length to keep our community as safe as possible inside a dark, sweaty, underground nightclub has always been core to our values."
"With this in mind we’ve decided to keep vaccine passes in place as we open back up over the next few weeks. We’ll reassess week by week but for now, while covid cases are still high, we need to do whatever we can to ensure the safety of our staff, the artists performing and of course our incredible community. "
For any Kiwis looking to travel around New Zealand, Air New Zealand and Jetstar still require all passengers over the age of 12 years and three months to show proof of full vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test before checking in on domestic flights.
The Interislander ferry said from Thursday, vaccine passes and COVID tests are no longer required on Interislander ferries.
"The only COVID restriction still in place is the need to wear a mask at all times in our terminals and ships. The exception, of course, is if you are eating and drinking. We still require photo ID at check in," the Interislander said.
