Te Mate Kōwheori me ngā pūrongo ā-waka COVID-19 transport information

At 11:59pm on 12 September 2022 New Zealand moved away from the COVID-19 Protection Framework (also known as the traffic light system).

This removes the requirement to wear face masks on public transport services or indoors at public transport stations and terminals. Face masks are still required in certain health premises and are encouraged to be worn in crowded places, such as public transport, or when visiting people at high risk– more information can be found at COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) | Ministry of Health NZ.(external link)

There are also changes that further relax the maritime and air border settings.

The Maritime Border Order has been revoked, and the maritime border is now fully open. Further information is available at Ministry of Health | COVID-19: Maritime sector (external link) and Maritime NZ COVID-19 (coronavirus)(external link).

Changes to the Air Border Order include removing vaccination, face mask wearing, and testing requirements for all arrivals (including air crew).

People arriving in New Zealand from overseas will continue to receive free RATs at the airport and will be encouraged to test on day 0/1 and 5/6. More information is at COVID-19: Travellers.(external link)

All incoming travellers are still required to complete an online traveller declaration ('New Zealand Traveller Declaration')(external link) up to 28 days before departing for New Zealand. 

As a result of all these changes, Te Manatū Waka will no longer be producing the COVID-19 Guidance for Transport Operators or the COVID-19 Guidance for Airlines & Carriers.

Guidance continues to be updated as further information is announced. Further information is available at Ministry of Health | COVID-19: Aviation sector(external link) and Unite Against Covid-19 | Travel to New Zealand(external link)