New Zealand is opening a ‘travel corridor’ from Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu, to allow seasonal workers into the country without quarantine.

New Zealand’s horticultural sector is highly dependent on seasonal workers from the Pacific, and this change would allow them to enter New Zealand without having to spend two weeks in government’s managed isolation and quarantine facilities. All three countries have avoided community transmission of Covid-19.

The decision been made by cabinet in principle, and is light on details at this stage - it is likely to come into effect by September. Prime minister Jacinda Ardern is due to announce more details on New Zealand’s plan for reopening its borders next week.