As of March 2020, arrival terminals at New Zealand International Airports have been deserted as the country quickly closed its borders to prevent the arrival of the Covid-19. On Monday morning, the border reopened to vaccinated visitors from about 60 visa-free countries as part of the government’s gradual reopening plan. The first travelers and New Zealanders returned shortly after 6 a.m. to Auckland International Airport from Los Angeles, with another flight from San Francisco arriving shortly after. Garth and Chris Halliday cried as their son Stephen arrived with his wife and son, whom they had not seen for more than a year, according to the Stuff news website. Garth said the tearful scenes at the airport were reminiscent of Love Actually, while Stephen said it was “emotional” to be home. An American tourist told RNZ through tears that they had wanted to visit New Zealand for many years. “I am finally here. “It’s amazing,” they said. Vaccinated international visitors can enter New Zealand if they had a negative Covid test prior to departure. Upon arrival, they must self-test for coronavirus and, unless positive, no quarantine or self-isolation is required. All other international visitors will be allowed to enter New Zealand from October, unless the government decides it is safe to do so earlier. Tourism Minister Stuart Nash, who greeted arrivals at the gate with a Whittaker’s Peanut Slab chocolate, told 1News that the reunions “almost bring tears to the eyes”. “People have not seen each other for a long, long time – family and friends,” he said. “Of course, we also have international businessmen [who] they are able to reconnect and return. “ Exciting scenes took place at Auckland International Airport on Monday as the families reunited. Photo: Jed Bradley / AP Nash said that while the country has not yet returned to normalcy, the reopening was another step towards it. “It’s been a long time coming [coming] “This sends a message that we are now open for business; it’s fantastic to see that,” Nash said. “Today marks a milestone for visitors from our major markets in the Northern Hemisphere to the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada and others who can now jump on a plane to get here. “ More than 30,000 people arrive in the country each week – an increase in numbers throughout the pandemic, but well below pre-Covid levels, which were close to 25,000 people each day. Nash said research on international flights to New Zealand was 19% higher than in the pre-Covid period. Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Khurihanganui said 9,000 passengers would arrive and depart on 43 international flights on Monday – three times as many as in March. The airport has increased its staff by 40 people and will continue to do so in the coming months, he said. Hurihanganui said the reconnections gave her “moments of unrest”. “It was a pleasure to be here today and the fact that we can play a role in welcoming people back to Aotearoa is fantastic,” he told 1News outside the arrivals gate.
