I welcome the commencement of the Safe Travel Zone between Australia and New Zealand on 19 April, and the benefits this two-way travel arrangement will bring to Norfolk Island.
The Trans-Tasman Safe Travel Zone now enables quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and Australia – including Norfolk Island – reuniting friends and families, plus providing a much-needed boost to our local tourism sector.
As part of Australia, and a world-class tourist destination, Norfolk Island will benefit greatly from the opportunities the Safe Travel Zone offers, with Air Chathams confirming they will resume flights to Norfolk Island from Auckland, New Zealand, from May 27.
Norfolk Island has strong and long-standing connections with New Zealand as a popular holiday destination for New Zealand travellers and many community connections. With the resumption of Air Chathams flights, New Zealanders will again have the opportunity to take advantage of the extraordinary natural and cultural environment our island offers.
This announcement of the two-way Safe Travel Zone builds on the Australian Government's decision that, from 22 March, Australian citizens and permanent residents no longer need to seek an exemption from the Australian Border Force to travel to New Zealand from Australia.
The Australian Government remains committed to supporting Norfolk Island's air services and tourism sector, and helping rebuild the local economy through COVID-19 recovery.
The Australia and New Zealand Safe Travel Zone is an important and exciting step as we continue to reopen Norfolk Island.
In the event of a COVID-19 outbreak, the Australian and New Zealand Governments will provide as much notice as possible to passengers, airlines and airport operators affected by temporary restrictions.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
22 April 2021