New Zealand government response to the COVID-19 pandemic

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The New Zealand Government responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand in various ways. In early February 2020, the Government imposed travel restrictions on China in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic originating in Wuhan and also repatriated citizens and residents from Wuhan.^[1][2] Following the country's first case, which originated in Iran, the Government imposed travel restrictions on Iran.^[3]

In response to rising cases, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern closed the country's borders to non-citizens and non-residents on 19 March 2020.^[4][5] On 21 March, the Government introduced a four-tier alert level system, which placed much of the country's population and economy into lockdown from 25 March.^[6][7] Due to the success of the Government's elimination strategy in reducing the spread of COVID-19, most lockdown and social distancing restrictions were lifted by 8 June 2020. However, border restrictions remained in force.^[8] On 13 May, the Government passed the controversial COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 which entrenched the Government's lockdown restrictions.^[9][10]

On 11 August 2020, the Government reinstated lockdown restrictions in Auckland following a second outbreak of community transmissions.^[11] Due to successful efforts to reduce community transmissions, lockdown restrictions were eliminated by 7 October.^[12] In early November, the Government required travellers entering New Zealand to book a place in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) prior to travelling to the country.^[13] On 12 December 2020, the Government announced plans to establish travel bubbles with the Cook Islands and Australia in 2021.^[14][15]

Following a new community outbreak in Auckland in August 2021, the Government reinstated Alert Level 4 restrictions on 17 August 2021.^[16] Due to rising cases in Auckland and parts of the North Island, the Government abandoned its elimination strategy while accelerating the country's vaccination rollout.^[17][18] The "alert level system" was subsequently replaced by the COVID-19 Protection Framework ("traffic light system"), which came into force on 3 December 2021.^[19] In addition, the Government launched a COVID-19 vaccination pass system, which came into effect on 16 November 2021.^[20] On 23 November, the Government passed the COVID-19 Response (Vaccinations) Legislation Act 2021, which provided a legal framework for the "traffic light system" and vaccine mandates for certain occupations.^[21]

On 17 January 2022, the Government launched its vaccination rollout for children aged between five and 12 years.^[22] In late January, it also launched a three-stage plan to combat the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant based on contact tracing, testing and self-isolation.^[23] On 3 February, it launched a five-stage plan to reopen New Zealand's borders throughout 2022.^[24] On 23 March, the Government eased several "traffic light" restrictions including limits on public gatherings, vaccine pass requirements, vaccine mandates for most occupations, and NZ COVID Tracer QR code scanning requirements.^[25] In May 2022, the Government accelerated the reopening of the border for various work, visitor and student visa classes.^[26] In mid September 2022, the Government abolished the "traffic light system", ending most remaining COVID-19 mask, vaccine, and close contact isolation mandates and restrictions.^[27]