New Zealand will begin to reopen for sporting business from April 12, as part of stage three of the country's border reopening plan.
The Government has announced a five-stage approach to easing the country's border restrictions.
Under stage three of that process, the border will open to current offshore temporary visa holders, as well as class exceptions for critical workforces.
Deputy PM and Minister of Sport Grant Robertson confirms foreign athletes and teams will be classified under those critical workforces as 'sports and events', according to the significance of their particular event.
Those approved could then enter the country without going through managed isolation quarantine from 11:59pm, April 12.
"In step three…that will include those people who we have classed as being able to come through MIQ for sports and events," says Robertson.
"There is a classification system there built around the significance of those events. Those people will come in at that point and be able to self-isolate rather than go through MIQ."
From stage four in July, any restrictions would be further eased, as the borders open to anyone in Australia and those with visa-waiver travel.
"When we start to talk about visa-waiver countries, such as Australia, then you'll be starting to see significantly more ability for sports and cultural events to move backwards and forwards."
Robertson confirms the Government won't grant exemptions on isolation requirements, except for where teams may request the ability to train while isolating.
While the new border rules won't come into effect in time for the Women's Cricket World Cup, which starts March 4, teams travelling to New Zealand for the Women's Rugby World Cup in October can do so without entering MIQ.
The Government is yet to confirm whether self-isolation will be required at stages 3-5.
