The Government of New Zealand has removed the Covid-19 Protection Framework in the country from 12 September 2022, which ends mask and vaccine mandates.
With the removal of this norm, arriving passengers and aircrew in the country will no longer have to meet the vaccination requirements.
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However, the government has still retained a seven-day isolation requirement for people affected by the virus.
The announcement was made by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.
Ardern noted: “It’s time to safely turn the page on our Covid-19 management and live without the extraordinary measures we have previously used.
“Vaccination requirements for all travellers arriving into New Zealand, including aircrew, also ends, and the requirement to test on day 0/1 and 5/6 will now just be encouraged. Our seven-day isolation period for Covid cases will remain.
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By GlobalData“However, the seven-day isolation period will now only be required for those who test positive for Covid-19. Their household contacts will only be asked to undertake a daily RAT test before going about their life as normal.”
With the removal of the so-called traffic light system, Auckland Airport announced that wearing masks within the airport terminal is no longer mandatory.
The airport further said that international travellers would no longer need to show their Covid-19 vaccination proof in order to enter the country.
In addition, the Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) mandate has been eliminated for incoming passengers though it is still being encouraged.
Wellington Airport (WLG) also ended the mask mandate in the airport terminal and on domestic flights.
Meanwhile, in June, Airways New Zealand tapped Indra to upgrade the radar network in the country.
