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Jacinda Ardern Shuts Down Hopes Of A Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble In 2020

Jacinda Ardern Shuts Down Hopes Of A Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble In 2020

The New Zealand Prime Minister wants Kiwis to enjoy a 'safe summer holiday' and won't change the border arrangements until at least 2021.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Any Australian crossing their fingers and toes for a Trans-Tasman travel bubble to be in place by the end of the year better look away now.

Jacinda Ardern has revealed she plans to keep her borders closed to the outside world to ensure the risk of another coronavirus outbreak is kept at an absolute minimum.

The travel bubble has been discussed between Australia and New Zealand for the past few months and there were rumblings that it could be introduced before we close out 2020.

However, the New Zealand Prime Minister says she would like Kiwis to enjoy a 'safe summer' without worrying about people coming from across the ditch.

In her speech to Business NZ, Ms Ardern said: "In New Zealand's case, we made our choices.

PA

"By forgoing some freedoms, namely the free movement at our borders, we retain the long term health of our population and the open economy we now enjoy.

"It was a choice but one that I strongly believe has served us well, and that New Zealanders have for the most part supported.

"New Zealanders want and deserve a safe summer holiday, so our focus is on managing the existing risk profile. We will be continuing with our existing border settings for now while we work on what can be accommodated within those settings."

At the moment, there is a one sided travel bubble which allows Kiwis to fly over to several states and territories in Australia and lap up some international tourism.

They aren't required to quarantine on arrival, however there have been some awkward cases for some travellers when they didn't realise what would happen if they went interstate to somewhere that wasn't fully open.

The decision to allow Kiwis to fly over was made by the Australian government and had the backing of the agreeing state and territory leaders. However, the decision to make it a two way street will ultimately rest with Ms Ardern and her government.

It's not clear when her mind will change but it's likely that Australia will have to go several weeks without unknown transmissions before that conversation will be had.

At least we can cross New Zealand in 2020 off our list and can hope for a little winter holiday next year. Keep crossing those fingers and toes.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Australia