The current lock down will not stop the Wellington hospitality community from celebrating their achievements in the Felix Wellington Hospitality Awards, an industry event to celebrate and promote the excellence of food and beverage offerings in the region.

With the support of lead sponsor Gilmours, our Awards provide a platform to encourage and support new and emerging talent in the industry.

Those looking for a great place to dine out won’t be disappointed with Highwater Eatery, Ortega Fish Shack & Bar, Restaurant Amok and Rita all nominated for outstanding restaurant.

The best chefs in the region have been recognised with Laura Greenfield from Field & Green, Matt Hawkes of Mason, Kelda Hains of Rita and Shepherd Elliot of Shepherd Restaurant all up for the outstanding chef accolade.

Casual dining is also recognised with A Taste of Home, KC Cafe & Takeaway, Soul Shack and The Greek Food Truck all nominated for Outstanding Casual Dining/Street Food.

The region’s best brunch spots have also been recognised with Customs by Coffee Supreme, Floriditas, Milk Crate and Swimsuit all nominated in the outstanding café category.

The Wellington community are also able to vote for their favourite establishment in the Visa Wellington on a Plate People’s Choice Award.

20 awards will be presented to the best of the Wellington hospitality industry.  From crew members, to suppliers, to establishments – the best of the best will be celebrated for their contribution to creating a world-class hospitality scene in the region.

This has been a challenging year for the industry but the local hospo community continue to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

The awards are an opportunity to recognise those providing an exceptional experience to the dining community and spread the word about the amazing places there are to drink and eat in the city.

Voting is open until Sunday, 12 September and the winners will be revealed at the awards evening on Monday, 19^th September at Te Papa, Tongarewa.

Tickets to the event are on sale now. To purchase or for more information regarding the awards please visit hospitalityawards.co.nz/wellington/, Facebook @felixwellingtonhospitalityawards and Instagram @felixawards.

Voting link is HERE. People’s Choice link is HERE.

L’affare Outstanding Barista

Paige Simoneau, Black Coffee

Morgan West, Milk Crate

Zuyi Woon, Pour and Twist

Tait Burge, Swimsuit

Pernod Ricard Outstanding Bartender

Jonathan Dawson, Egmont St Eatery

Jack Driver, Hanging Ditch

Alex Vowles, Hawthorn Lounge

Pierre-Henri du Plessis, Night Flower

American Express Outstanding Front of House Team

Capitol Restaurant

Cinderella Wine Bar & Bistro

Fortune Favours

Ortega Fish Shack & Bar

Shepherd

Antipodes Water Outstanding Maitre’d

Patrick Ferrier, Cinderella Wine Bar & Bistro

Dominique McMillian, Floriditas

Davey McDonald, Ortega Fish Shack & Bar

Chelsea Godinet, Shepherd

Service Foods Outstanding Chef

Matt Hawkes, Mason

Laura Greenfield, Field & Green

Kelda Hains, Rita

Shepherd Elliot, Shepherd

Southern Hospitality Emerging Chef

Eom Jae Hoon, Havana Bar

Madison Grace, Hiakai

Kolja Lange, Hillside Kitchen & Cellar

Kyle Camara, Shepherd

Waitoa Beer Outstanding Hospitality Professional

Alex Vowles, Hawthorn Lounge

Lewis Culshaw, HopDogs

Jackie Lee Morrison, Lashings

Paul Schrader, Rita

Burns & Ferrall Outstanding Street Food/Takeout

A Taste of Home

KC Cafe & Takeaway

Soul Shack

The Greek Food Truck

Meadow Fresh Outstanding Café

Customs by Coffee Supreme

Floriditas

Milk Crate

Swimsuit

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Beer Experience

Fortune Favours

Little Beer Quarter

Parrotdog Brewery

The Malthouse

Negociants Outstanding Wine Experience

Ascot

Highwater Eatery

Noble Rot Wine Bar

The Puffin

The National Distillery Outstanding Cocktail Experience

Crumpet Cocktail Bar

Hanging Ditch

Hawthorn Lounge

Night Flower

Coca Cola Europacific Outstanding Bar

Ascot

Havana Bar

Lulu Bar

The Rogue & Vagabond Craft Beer Bar

OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design

Cinderella Wine Bar & Bistro

Mason

Night Flower

The Puffin

Nova Energy Regional Establishment

50-50

Boneface Brewing Company

Parrotdog Brewery

Pinocchio Greytown

dinefind Outstanding Restaurant

Highwater Eatery

Ortega Fish Shack & Bar

Restaurant Amok

Rita

Te Papa Outstanding Sales Rep

Devendra Patel, Capital Produce

Stefan Pearce, Parrotdog Brewery

Casey Belsham, Pernod Ricard

Ollie Kettle, Vintners

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier

Capital Produce

Hancocks Wine Spirits and Beer Merchants

Mineral

Moore Wilson’s

Moore Wilson’s Outstanding Caterer

Black & Gold

Food Envy Catering

Sarah Searancke Catering

The Catering Studio

Support for businesses and workers has been triggered following the rise in alert levels on 17 August, 2021.

• The Resurgence Support Payment has been activated.
  • Applications can be made on the IRD website from 8am, Tuesday 24 August.
  • A business or organisation must have experienced at least a 30% drop in revenue or a 30% decline in capital-raising ability over a 7-day period, due to the increased COVID-19 alert level.
  • Eligible businesses and organisations can apply to receive the lesser of:

• The Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) is available nationally when there is a regional or national move to Alert Levels 3 and 4 for a period of seven days and helps eligible businesses keep paying staff and protect jobs.
  • Businesses will be eligible for $600 per week per full-time equivalent employee, and $359 per week per part-time employee. 
  • Applications for the wage subsidy opened at 9am on Friday 20 August, 2021. Apply here.
  • A second wage subsidy has also been activated and can be applied for from 3 September, 2021.

• The Covid-19 Short-Term Absence Payment is available for businesses, to help pay their workers who cannot work from home while they wait for a Covid-19 test result. There’s a one-off payment for each eligible worker. 

• If the employee is off sick with Covid-19, caring for someone with Covid-19, or have been required to isolate because of Covid-19, the Covid-19 Leave Support Scheme is available for employers, including self-employed people, to help pay their employees who need to self-isolate and can’t work from home. The scheme is paid as a lump sum and covers 2 weeks per eligible employee, for people who were working 20 hours or more per week.

A positive case of COVID-19 was identified in the community on 17 August. It was subsequently confirmed that this is the Delta variant of Covid-19.

As a result, from 11.59pm, on 17 August, 2021:

• All of New Zealand moved to Level 4 – non-essential businesses will be required to temporarily close.

As at 23rd August:

• All of New Zealand will remain at Alert Level 4 until 11:59pm on Friday 27 August, with a review on Friday.

• Auckland will remain at Alert Level 4 until 11:59pm on Tuesday 31 August 2021, with a review on Monday.

Locations of interest

The Government are identifying locations of interest and these are listed here.

A reminder of the golden rules of Level 4

Level 4:

• All gatherings are cancelled and all public venues, including restaurants, cafes and bars, are closed.
• People are instructed to stay at home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement.
• Travel is severely limited.
• Businesses are closed except for essential services – for example, supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, petrol stations and lifeline utilities will stay open.
• Schools and educational facilities are closed.

Key resources you will need:

• Letter/email for you advising your employees of the temporary emergency closedown of business (this is a member only resource, so login first)
• Guide to temporary closure of business and employee payments (this is a member only resource, so login first)
• Closedown checklist

Business support

The Government has confirmed that there is business support available. The measures include:

• The Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) which is available nationally when there is a regional or national move to Alert Levels 3 and 4 for a period of seven days and helps eligible businesses keep paying staff and protect jobs.
  • Businesses will be eligible for $600 per week per full-time equivalent employee, and $359 per week per part-time employee. 
  • Applications for the wage subsidy opened at 9am on Friday 20 August, 2021. Apply here.
• The Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) is a payment to help support businesses or organisations with one-off costs due to a COVID-19 alert level increase to level 2 or higher. This is available to eligible firms at the same time as the WSS. Eligible businesses and organisations can apply to receive the lesser of:
  • $1,500 plus $400 per full-time equivalent (FTE) employee, up to a maximum of 50 FTEs
  • four times (4x) the actual revenue decline experienced by the applicant.
  • Applications for the resurgence support payment open at 8am on Tuesday 24 August, 2021. Apply here.

Other existing support for individuals includes the Leave Support Scheme (LSS) and Short-Term Absence Payment (STAP).

The Government has said a hard and early response is the best tool to stamp out any potential spread and everyone in New Zealand is asked to stay calm, be kind and play their part.

A positive case of COVID-19 has been identified in the community early this afternoon and is now under investigation.

We will provide further updates once additional information comes to hand.

The case is located in Auckland and a link between the case and the border or managed isolation is yet to be established.

The Auckland Regional Public Health unit is undertaking interviews with the case for contact tracing purposes. While we collect more specific information all New Zealanders are reminded of the basic public health measures of mask wearing and hand washing. In particular anyone in Auckland catching public transport this afternoon or who cannot socially distance in public spaces should wear a mask as a precaution.

Ministers will meet this afternoon once additional information is gathered to confirm a response. An update will be provided after that.

The Government has said a hard and early response is the best tool to stamp out any potential spread and everyone in New Zealand is asked to stay calm, be kind and play their part while we gather more information on the potential case.

The Government’s framework for re-opening New Zealand’s borders and plans around future travel requirements in and out of the country has been unveiled at a forum on Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World in Wellington.

The release of the plan followed the publication of Sir David Skegg’s Strategic COVID-19 Public Health Advisory Group’s advice to Government.

Key messages announced:

• The vaccination rollout will speed up
• There will be a move to 6 weeks between doses to ensure more New Zealanders are at least partially vaccinated as soon as possible in face of Delta risk
• A phased approach to reopening the border is planned, with a self-isolation pilot this year and set up of new testing and vaccine checking systems at border
• From the first quarter of 2022 move to new ‘individual risk-based’ border settings will be introduced – low, medium and high risk pathways
• The elimination strategy has been retained by Government, who believe this is the best strategy to keep COVID out and the economy open

Getting vaccinated has been highlighted as the number one thing to reduce the risk of lockdowns, and safely allow New Zealand’s borders to begin re-opening next year. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the second half of 2021 will be used to vaccinate as many New Zealanders as possible and conduct a self-isolation trial for vaccinated New Zealanders in order to prepare for a phased resumption of quarantine-free travel.

Elimination strategy maintained

The Government will maintain their elimination strategy approach, with Prime Minister saying “If we give up our elimination approach too soon there is no going back, and we could see significant breakouts here like some countries overseas are experiencing who have opened up early in their vaccination rollout.”

Vaccination roll out

From 1 September vaccination we will be open for all eligible ages as the Government aims to speed up the vaccination roll out.

In addition, there is a move to a six week period between doses, so that more people can get their first dose quicker and ensuring everyone is at least partially vaccinated in the coming months.

Border settings

A phased introduction of an ‘individual risk-based’ approach to border settings will start in 2022, once more of our country is vaccinated. A poll of Restaurant Association members also found support in waiting to reopen borders until more of the country is vaccinated. 27% were of the opinion that the borders should be opened when a higher percentage of our country is fully vaccinated. Feedback from members was that between 70-90% of the country should be vaccinated before borders are reopened.

Low-Risk, Medium-Risk and High-Risk travel pathways will be created, based on the risk associated with where a traveller is coming from and their vaccination status.

• The Low-Risk pathway will permit quarantine free entry for vaccinated travellers who have been in low risk countries.
• The Medium-Risk pathway would include a combination of self-isolation and/or reduced MIQ for vaccinated travellers who have been in medium risk countries. (to prepare for this, a pilot will run in the second half of 2021 to test processes and systems).
• The High-Risk pathway will see the continuation of a full 14 days in MIQ and testing for unvaccinated travellers and any traveller, including vaccinated travellers, who have been in very high risk or high risk countries.

Further details are expected in the coming weeks around additional measures and processes that may be introduced, particularly in preparation for the borders reopening. We will keep members updated as information comes to hand.

Andrea Martinisi wins the New Zealand Sommelier of the Year 2021 working through a full day of assessments to challenge and showcase sommelier skills held at the New Zealand School of Food and Wine, Auckland.

Originally from Italy, Andrea is General Manager and Head Sommelier of The Grove Restaurant, Auckland and was able to demonstrate his technical knowledge along with outstanding communication skills to win the trophy.

The programme included a theory assessment followed by the Blind Tasting of 2 wines in 15 minutes: Saint Clair Pioneer Block Gewurztraminer 2020 from Marlborough and from Spain, Muga Seleccion Especial Rioja 2016. The Practical Restaurant Scenario required contestants to decant a bottle of Te Mata Awatea 2018 and provide food pairing in 5 minutes. The Practical also featured a blind tasting of 4 spirits.

Three candidates went forward to the Final and Andrea competed with Angela Allan, sommelier and manager of Culprit Restaurant and Suraj GC, sommelier at Onemata, Park Hyatt Hotel.

The New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association is a non-profit registered society supporting people working in wine and hospitality in New Zealand. It is a member of ASI Association of Sommeliers International who run regular competitions around the world. In 2022, the Asia-Oceania Best Sommelier Competition will be held in Australia.

Women of Influence Awards 2021

The Women of Influence Awards are open for nominations, celebrating Kiwi women from all walks of life who are making Aotearoa a better place.

There are many, many amazing women in the hospitality industry; those in leadership roles and those working at the front line. Within our own organisation, we believe our CEO, Marisa, warrants recognition for her determined leadership and the impact she has had in shaping our hospitality industry. We know that many of you will also have those you will want to put forward for nomination and we encourage you to get online as nominations close on 16 August.

Candidates are judged on their demonstrated vision, leadership, innovation and action in and beyond their field; as well as their impact and how it was achieved.

Find out more here.

STRATEGIC PARTNER: AMERICAN EXPRESS

As the world regains a sense of normality, the restaurant sector still needs to mitigate safety risks and introduce new ways to deliver a premium customer experience that’s safe and seamless. 

In times of disruption, operators should focus on things within their control to put them a cut above the rest in their customers’ eyes.

For some, this means investing in new technology or front of house training, while for others, it might mean updating products and menus to reflect customer tastes. However, while these steps are significant, it’s also essential not to overlook the checkout experience. 

Making payment frictionless

Robert Tedesco, Vice President and General Manager of Global Merchant Services, American Express, says that customers want a frictionless experience when making a payment – without fear of penalty or rejection.

Businesses that offer a hassle-free payment exchange have a more substantial chance of improving customer satisfaction and loyalty when considering that 89 per cent of the New Zealand population prefer not to use cash.

“Our research proves this: customers are more likely to abandon a cart if their preferred method of payment isn’t accepted at point of sale,” says Robert.

For the past 12-years, American Express has worked with the Restaurant Association to support members with payment choices and highlight how barriers to purchase can impact a business’s bottom line.

Accepting all forms of payment not only increases the chances of a repeat patron – but it streamlines business operations and enhances customer spending and loyalty.

American Express card members, for instance, have an average transaction size that is 1.6 times that of other credit cards. American Express card members can earn points and access offers and rewards in return for their spending. There are also incentives for them to seek businesses that accept their preferred choice of card.

Therefore, restaurants and cafes should indicate which payment options are available on their website and at the venue. Robert confirmed that American Express card members are often pleased when signage is clear from the outset, and the accepting merchants also notice the difference.

Last year, American Express ran a campaign to encourage accepting businesses to display Amex logos and imagery. Participating venues saw a 24% uplift in the number of new Amex card members coming into their store and a 17% uplift in the number of Amex transactions.

The cost of card payments has also reduced over time. Thanks to several American Express partnerships, including with Square and CBA, the cost of accepting American Express is no different from other credit cards. 

Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association explains how crucial it is that businesses do not limit their customers’ payment options. “If your customers can’t pay how they prefer, then it can catch them off guard. Offering a range of flexible payment options removes this potential pain point and is another way to enhance customer experience.”

American Express Shop Small

American Express continues to work with the Restaurant Association to encourage booking and spending in the hospitality sector. For example, New Zealand is the latest country to introduce the Shop Small initiative. To mark the launch American Express commissioned research in New Zealand which revealed that only around one in five small business operators feel their wider local community rallied around them during the pandemic. American Express launched the Shop Small movement to encourage Kiwis to explore their local community and get behind small businesses, driving valuable spend back into this community.

Commenting on the success of the movement, Marisa says: “Shop Small helps bring the restaurant industry to people’s attention. It also highlights the importance of spending at a time when many restaurants and cafes need it most.”

American Express are strategic partners of the Restaurant Association. To find out more about how they support the industry, click here.

With the support of Lead Sponsor Gilmours, we are excited to announce the Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards 2021 Finalists!

Did your faves make the cut? Did you make the cut?
Check out the finalists below and vote now.

Don’t miss out on the celebration of the year – grab your tickets now!

Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista
Holly Walters, Brown Dog Espresso
Benjamin Fernandez, Georgia on Tennyson
Zach Wilkins, Little Frimley Kitchen
Nick Ainley, Workroom 

The National Distillery Outstanding Bartender
Andrea Marseglia
Alex Coupland, Deliciosa
Dave Morris, Funbuns
Nils Kuehlsen, Matisse Wine Bar 

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Front of House Team
13th Stag
Common Room
Mister D Dining
Sazio 

Service Foods Outstanding Chef
James Beck
Casey MacDonald, Craggy Range
Bert van de Steeg, Malo
Jeremy Rameka, Pacifica

EIT Emerging Chef
Ellen Archdale, Craggy Range 
Gurjot Singh, Piku Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Nilesh Patel, St Georges Restaurant 

Menulog Outstanding Street Food/Takeout
Asian Diner
Bayside Bagels
Black Betty BBQ
Vinci’s Pizza 

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Coffee Establishment
Crazy Good
Cupple
Georgia on Tennyson
Hawthorne Coffee 

Bidfood Outstanding Cafe
Ajuna
Little Black Bird
Maina
Soho Café 

Waitoa Beer Outstanding Bar
Common Room
Giant Brewing Co.
The Gintrap
Three Wise Birds – Garden Bar

Cocktail Collective Outstanding Cocktail Collective
Emporium Eatery & Bar
Funbuns
Market Street
Monica Loves 

Trinity Hill Outstanding Wine & Beverage List
Bistronomy
Deliciosa
Mary’s Wine Bar
Matisse Wine Bar 

OneMusic Ambience & Design
Central Fire Station
Common Room
Market Street
Pipi’s Café and Truck 

Nova Energy Outstanding Regional Establishment
Puketapu Pub
Red Bridge Coffee
St Georges Restaurant
Te Awanga Estate

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
Asian Diner
Chans Chop House
Sai Thai Eatery 

dinefind Outstanding Winery Restaurant
Black Barn Bistro
Clearview Estate
Craggy Range
Mission Estate 

Napier City Council Outstanding Restaurant
Central Fire Station
Hunger Monger
Malo
Pacifica 

Dish Catering Outstanding Sales Rep
Shaye Bird, Liquor King
Steve Olley, Paratua Wines
Kieran Woodham, Three Wise Birds Cider 

Toitoi Venues Outstanding Supplier
Bidfood Hawkes Bay
Brave Brewery
Gourmeats

With the support of Lead Sponsor Gilmours, we are excited to announce the Waikato Hospitality Awards 2021 Finalists!

Voting is now OPEN! Anyone working in the Waikato hospitality industry can fill out a voting form. The ‘industry’ encompasses all owners and workers at hospitality establishments and their direct suppliers.

Did your faves make the cut? Did you make the cut?
Check out the finalists below and vote now.

Don’t miss out on the celebration of the year – grab your tickets now!

Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista
Cole Young, Cream Eatery
Dove Chen, Grey Street Kitchen
Geoffrey Mist, Cucina
Jasher Clayton, Sentinel Café

Pernod Ricard Outstanding Bartender
Alex Williams, Wonder Horse
Clem Weinzettl, Mr. Pickles Bar & Eatery
Craig Loveday, Alpino Cambridge
Roberto Valenzuela, Banh Mi Caphe

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Front of House Team
Cinnamon Café
Gothenburg
Hayes Common
Palate Restaurant

Bidfresh Outstanding Chef
Andrew Clarke, Kerr & Ladbrook Catering
Logan Murrary, Thyme Square Restaurant
Mat McLean, Palate Restaurant
Matt Gemmell, Furnace

Waikato Food Inc. Local Food Hero
Chrissy Houghton, Cream Eatery 
Denise Irvine, Stuff Food Writer
Lisa Quarrie, Hayes Common
Ricardo Carminati, Alpino Cambridge

Restaurant Association of NZ Emerging Chef
Chelsea Mendes, Thyme Square Restaurant 
Daniel Lawrence, Hayes Common
Matiu Rapana, Mr. Pickles Bar & Eatery

Burns & Ferrall Outstanding New Establishment
Cream Eatery
Sentinel Cafe
Sisterfields
Thyme Square Restaurant

Menulog Outstanding Street Food/Takeout
Chilli House
Sichuan Style
The Bearded Weasel
Winner Winner

Bidfood Outstanding Cafe
Kirk Cafe
Lykke Café
Scott’s Epicurean
The River Kitchen

Waitoa Beer Outstanding Bar
Craft 
Good Neighbour
The Lookout Bar and Kitchen
Wonder Horse

OneMusic Ambience & Design
Poppy Peach
The Roaming Giant
Sisterfields
ULO’s Kitchen

Nova Energy Outstanding Regional Establishment
Camarosa
Punnet
Red Kitchen
The Shack – Raglan

dinefind Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
Banh Mi Caphe
Koi Spice Craft & Whisky
Saigon Noon

dinefind Outstanding Restaurant
Alpino Cambridge
Gothenburg
Mr. Pickles Bar & Eatery
Palate Restaurant

Curiosity Gin Outstanding Sales Rep
Courtney Keating, Southern Hospitality 
Gerard Mooney, Jacket Beverage
Renee Kruger, Burns & Ferrall
Tim Batters, Foodchain 

Good George Outstanding Caterer
Kerr & Ladbrook Catering
Mavis & Co
Roam Food Caravan
The Little Lunch Co

Kerr & Ladbrook Outstanding Supplier
Bidfresh
Bootleg Brewery
Magills Butchery Te Awamutu
Service Foods

On Sunday evening, 25 July, 2021, the Rotorua hospitality industry came together to celebrate the great people and businesses that are keeping local hospo humming.

We are excited to announce the winner of the 2021 Rotorua Hospitality Awards:

Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista

Andrew Phillips, Revolver Coffee Roasters

Pernod Ricard Outstanding Bartender

Sean Kelly, Atticus Finch Rotorua

Antipodes Water Company Outstanding Waiter/Waitress

Monica Muzzioli, Regent of Rotorua

The POS People Front of House Team

Third Place Cafe

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Emerging Chef

Syvelle Ann Troyer, Peppers on the Point – Lake Rotorua

Service Foods Outstanding Chef

Bruce Thomason, Ambrosia Restaurant and Bar

Rotorua Nui Outstanding Street Food/Takeout

El Mexicano Express Takeaway Dine In Delivery

Burns & Ferrall Outstanding New Establishment

The Fainting Goat2

Bidfood Rotorua Outstanding Cafe

Scope Rotorua

Asahi Beverages New Zealand Outstanding Bar

BREW – Craft Beer Pub | Rotorua NZ

Nova Energy Suburban Establishment

Good Eastern Taphouse

Menulog New Zealand Outstanding Ethnic Cuisine

Giovanni’s

OneMusic New Zealand Ambience & Design

Eastwood

Eftpos New Zealand Outstanding Restaurant

Atticus Finch Rotorua

dinefind Outstanding Sales Rep

Shirley Robinson, Service Foods

Cabernet Foods LTD Outstanding Supplier

Bidfood Rotorua

Rotorua NZ Outstanding People’s Choice

Indian Star Restaurant

Gilmours Wholesale Food & Beverage Supreme Award

Urbano Bistro Rotorua

Stay up to date at www.hospitalityawards.co.nz/rotorua, or on the Awards Facebook page.

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak that Australia is currently experiencing, quarantine-free travel from Australia has temporarily been suspended.

New Zealanders currently in Australia (except NSW) have until 30 July, 2021 to return to New Zealand.

The suspended travel bubble will continue for a further 8 weeks and will be reviewed in September.

Further guidance on how to get home, travel requirements and daily updates are available on the Covid-19 website here.