The Government has released its plan for reopening to the world, with Kiwis arriving from Australia the first to be able to skip MIQ and self-isolate from February 28.
At step 2, from March 14, self-isolation will apply to Kiwis in other parts of the world, as well as skilled workers earning at least 1.5 times the median wage (NZ$27 an hour), and people with Working Holiday Scheme visas.
The border will then open to offshore temporary visa holders, who can still meet the relevant visa requirements, from April 13, as part of step 3. The Government will also allow up to 5000 international students in time for the second semester. Further exemptions for critical workforces that do not meet the 1.5 times the median wage will be considered.
Though no specific date is given, at step 4, starting from July, the border will open to anyone from Australia, as well as countries with whom New Zealand has a visa-waiver agreement - more than 50 nations. People with Accredited Employer Work Visas will also be allowed in, meaning the skilled and health worker border exception can be phased out.
This step is likely to begin when there is a "much larger" number of cases in New Zealand than there are now. There is also a "high likelihood" this step will be brought forward.
And then from October - again, no specific date is given - the border will open to visitors from anywhere in the world, as part of step 5.
It remains to be seen if self-isolation at home will be required at steps 3, 4 and 5.
The full list of workers and visa holders
