New Zealand's Covid rules crumble as Jacinda Ardern allows all nationals to return without self-isolation

New Zealand has finally decided to ease its strict Covid-19 restrictions.

The nation was notorious for imposing one of the toughest lockdowns, with travel to and from the country banned for large parts of the pandemic and self-isolation periods for residents also being imposed.

But the new staggered reopening, as announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday, means that vaccinated New Zealanders and those who are eligible arriving from overseas will no longer be required to quarantine from March 3.

Eligible people include New Zealand citizens, New Zealand permanent residents or resident visa holders, Australian citizens or permanent residence visa holders where NZ is their primary place of residence.

People with border exceptions or a partner, dependent child, or parent of a dependent child who either holds a visa based on their relationship to an New Zealand citizen or resident is travelling with a New Zealander or resident or is ordinarily resident in New Zealand are also eligible.

As of yesterday, New Zealanders can arrive from neighbouring Australia but will have to self-isolate.

The first 910 passengers from five flights from Australia were welcomed by emotional families and friends and families at Auckland Airport on Monday.

On April 12, the border reopens to temporary work and student visa holders currently outside of New Zealand, while Australia citizens and other foreign nationals travelling from Australia can arrive without the need for self-isolating from July.

The plan is then for the border to open to all other New Zealand visa holders, including visitor and student visas from October.

The restrictions were originally due to be lifted from March 13, but with such a high number of cases in New Zealand, it “makes sense” to ease early, Ms Ardern said.

"We've wanted to make sure that we're carefully easing up the border so that we don't over-burden our health system, but with so many cases in New Zealand now, it makes sense to look at those settings," she said.

New Zealand’s Covid Response Minister Chris Hipkins added: “Cabinet has agreed to lift all self-isolation requirements for vaccinated travellers entering New Zealand.

“That means that all Kiwis coming home and tourists entering the country will be able to step off the plane and immediately connect with family and friends and enjoy all New Zealand has to offer.”