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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the two-way trans-Tasman quarantine free travel bubble will commence from 11:59pm Sunday April 18.

"This is an important step forward in our COVID response and represents an arrangement I do not believe we have seen in any other part of the world," she said.

"That is, safely opening up international travel to another country while continuing to pursue a strategy of elimination and a commitment to keeping the virus out.

“While quarantine-free travel to Australia and vice versa will start in a fortnight, it will not be what
it was pre-COVID.

“While we absolutely wish to encourage family and friends to reunite and visitors to come and enjoy the hospitality New Zealand is ready and waiting to offer, those undertaking travel on either side of the ditch will do so under the guidance of flyer beware.

“People will need to plan for the possibility of travel being disrupted if there is an outbreak."

Ms Ardern said the plan contains three possible responses to COVID outbreaks in either country which include a pause, suspension or continuation of travel based on the nature of the threat.