New Zealand Traveller Pass, necessary or government overreach?

Forums › Travel (planes, train, cruise) › New Zealand Traveller Pass, necessary or government overreach?

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | ... | 9

4089 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1684

ID Verified

Trusted

#2964202 7-Sep-2022 13:30

David321:

Knowing how this govt loves to hold on to the powers they have given themselves though I suspect it may be held on to, after all its probably a minority traveling internationally at the moment, and annoying a minority is not political suicide (remember those who did not want the vaccine?).

But annoying inbound tourists when the tourism sector is putting insane pressure on the government and holding the threat of lost jobs over the government's head? That might well be political suicide. Make no mistake, it will put off a subset of tourists from travelling to New Zealand and spending money in the country. Maybe not many, but the tourism sector will take all they can get right now.

wellygary

8813 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5297

#2964204 7-Sep-2022 13:31

David321:

Knowing how this govt loves to hold on to the powers they have given themselves though I suspect it may be held on to, after all its probably a minority traveling internationally at the moment, and annoying a minority is not political suicide (remember those who did not want the vaccine?).

Its's not complaints from locals that will kill it, its the Tourists....

The Tourism sector groups will be making sure stories like this a front and centre of the minds of politicians in the next few months, With China still closed, the US is pretty much the great hope for this summer's tourism, (Europe's energy crisis will likely severely squeeze any middle class travel demand there)

If it doesn't go next week, I'm guessing it will be dumped at the October "Check in"

"The Tourism Export Council said around 20 per cent of US travellers planning a visit are reconsidering thanks to restrictions.

Council Chief Executive Lynda Keene told Newstalk ZB that arrival testing, the traffic light system and the traveller declaration forms are cited as the biggest obstacles."

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/new-zealand-covid-19-restrictions-could-scare-off-visitors-this-summer/KQYBLPVTDYFCHXR4QXUKG5NWEE/

eracode

Smpl Mnmlst
9334 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6203

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2964218 7-Sep-2022 14:10

Kyanar:

But annoying inbound tourists when the tourism sector is putting insane pressure on the government and holding the threat of lost jobs over the government's head? That might well be political suicide. Make no mistake, it will put off a subset of tourists from travelling to New Zealand and spending money in the country. Maybe not many, but the tourism sector will take all they can get right now.

Yep. When we were flying home from Germany last week, our NZTPs were checked at the Munich check-in, as mentioned above. The second leg of the trip was Dubai-AKL. When we we boarding from transit in Dubai, our NZTPs were not checked again.

However, there was a young English woman in the queue immediately in front of me (when we were showing Boarding Passes to enter the gate lounge in Dubai) who was asked why she was going to NZ - she said she was a tourist. Then she was asked for her NZTP. She knew nothing about it and looked horrified and upset. She was moved to one side and we went through to the gate lounge. I watched up until we boarded and she didn’t appear in the gate lounge. I don’t know whether she actually ended up on the flight - didn’t see her at baggage collection.

I felt sorry for her. It was all very odd and didn’t really make sense. I have no idea how she had got that far without realising what was required and/or without being previously checked - but whatever the reason it’s no joke and not a good look.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

Oblivian

7345 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2117

ID Verified

#2964221 7-Sep-2022 14:19

Unsure how people are still thinking international travel is as easy as it once was suddenly without issue or not checking beforehand like that. Far as I know the world stage still advertises the pandemic as in active state. I like to know where I'm going and if there's something I need to know about before I get there that won't impede that happening - even outside of one.

Most booking websites/airlines have banners warning to check the appropriate travel to location lists for outlined details.
Like https://www.emirates.com/nz/english/help/covid-19/travel-requirements-by-destination/new-zealand and https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/travel-requirements-new-zealand

And booking agents seem to be doing the same to stop any kickbacks. Similar banners warning me booking an Australia trip the other night to be aware of travel requirements that link off to lots of info.

I guess the reliance on ones self checks only go so far.

wellygary

8813 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5297

#2964222 7-Sep-2022 14:19

eracode:

I have no idea how she had got that far without realising what was required

Because our international tourism sites are a COVID mess, and are littered with out of date and just plain wrong information

Such as this,

https://www.newzealand.com/int/covid-19-travel-safety-information/

COVID-19 safety practices in place

Keep track of where you've been
It is encouraged to use the NZ COVID Tracer app when travelling around the country.
Find further details for recording keeping(opens in new window) here.

Practice healthy habits
While travelling around New Zealand, you should try to physically distance yourself in airports or busy transport hubs.

What to do if you develop symptoms
Get a test
Find a COVID-19 testing centre(opens in new window) in your current location
Order a rapid antigen tests (RATs) home testing ki

Kyanar

4089 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1684

ID Verified

Trusted

#2964235 7-Sep-2022 14:40

eracode:

I have no idea how she had got that far without realising what was required and/or without being previously checked - but whatever the reason it’s no joke and not a good look.

OTAs. I asked that same question of someone (an Australian) who got caught out by not having a declaration/pass filled out, and their answer was that they didn't have an Air New Zealand ticket, they had purchased via Aunt Betty or some such. Admittedly they should have had the sense to at least check Smart Traveller, which is pretty clear on the Travel Declaration requirement, but they probably just assumed that since Australia gave up on it, so would New Zealand. Then again, according to Sydney Airport, Australians just don't know how to use air travel any more.

wellygary:

Because our international tourism sites are a COVID mess, and are littered with out of date and just plain wrong information

Even Timatic is wrong, insisting that travellers to New Zealand need to undergo a COVID test on arrival (rather than advising that travellers need to complete an unsupervised test as soon as practicable)

Apple TV

Stream your favourite shows now on Apple TV (affiliate link).

Kyanar

4089 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1684

ID Verified

Trusted

#2966312 12-Sep-2022 19:01

So as of midnight tonight NZST no more mask mandates (does that mean Air New Zealand will drop it on flights?) and no more tests required on arrival, just "encouraged" (assuming that means the taxpayer will stop forking out for free RATs for arrivals).

Yet, for some totally unfathomable reason, the requirement for the Traveller Declaration isn't going away.

I think that answers the "government overreach" question.

(I'd be more supportive if instead they added the questions from the Incoming Passenger Card into it and did away with the paper - but nope).

EDIT: Surprisingly, Air New Zealand have already updated their guidance (I can only assume airlines were briefed in advance) and it appears face masks are no longer required on board. Given the practicalities of international travel, this is really just a recognition that with the government not mandating them the directive really doesn't do much.

KiwiSurfer

1725 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 994

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2966404 12-Sep-2022 21:54

Kyanar:

On a recent trip to New Zealand I - a citizen by birth entering with a New Zealand passport - was grilled on my reason for my visit, despite that the official could not lawfully deny me entry.

This is not new, I have had this experience as far back as 2007 well before this TP came into effect. Since then I've been fortunate that Smart Gates allow me entry without having to speak with anyone (including two entries into NZ this year).

David321

507 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 105

#2966429 13-Sep-2022 06:51

Kyanar:

Yet, for some totally unfathomable reason, the requirement for the Traveller Declaration isn't going away.

I think that answers the "government overreach" question.

Unbelievable, so we need to upload our vaccine info even though it is not required, for anyone!

Its the fact we are essentially asking for permission to return home that gets to me, I cant see how any of the info that is asked for can be used in any meaningful way anymore, now that COVID restrictions and controls are almost completely gone.

Apparently the COVID19 response bill allowing the government these additional powers runs out this Friday (they only last 3 months at a time), it will be interesting to see if Jacinda extends it again (bet she will).

On a side note thought, the travel pass website does say it will be updated in a few days.

_David_

Handle9

11927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9683

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2966430 13-Sep-2022 06:56

As an NZ citizen you don’t need to upload vaccine information. It’s a five minute excercise.

David321

507 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 105

#2966440 13-Sep-2022 08:10

Handle9: As an NZ citizen you don’t need to upload vaccine information. It’s a five minute excercise.

Nobody needs to upload vaccine information, so it should not even be there.

Why do a 5 min exercise if it is pointless and could only be used to potentially stop you from entering your home country on which you are supposed to have the right of return to under international law.

Why has NZ held on to this system when all other countries who used something similar have ditched it?

Think it would be a 5 min exercise for everyone? including the elderly?

Its government overreach and it's BS

_David_

Lenovo

Shop now for Lenovo laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

eracode

Smpl Mnmlst
9334 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6203

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2966442 13-Sep-2022 08:13

David321:

Handle9: As an NZ citizen you don’t need to upload vaccine information. It’s a five minute excercise.

Nobody needs to upload vaccine information, so it should not even be there.

Why do a 5 min exercise if it is pointless and could only be used to potentially stop you from entering your home country on which you are supposed to have the right of return to under international law.

Why has NZ held on to this system when all other countries who used something similar have ditched it?

Think it would be a 5 min exercise for everyone? including the elderly?

Its government overreach and it's BS

I +1-ed your post but also wanted to add weight to this - you're totally correct. It's completely unnecessary, unjustified and wrong - and it's not relevant that it's only a five-minute exercise.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80658 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41071

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2966504 13-Sep-2022 08:55

David321:

Handle9: As an NZ citizen you don’t need to upload vaccine information. It’s a five minute excercise.

Nobody needs to upload vaccine information, so it should not even be there.

Why do a 5 min exercise if it is pointless and could only be used to potentially stop you from entering your home country on which you are supposed to have the right of return to under international law.

Why has NZ held on to this system when all other countries who used something similar have ditched it?

Think it would be a 5 min exercise for everyone? including the elderly?

Its government overreach and it's BS

You posted the screenshot where it says it's not needed anymore and the form will be updated soon.

What I think is BS is the constant whining about something that really doesn't mean what one thinks it means.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

johno1234

3357 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2843

#2966524 13-Sep-2022 10:32

I know exactly what it means. As others have said, it has become pointless, so whether it is 1, 5 or 30 minutes it is annoying. Further, as others have mentioned, it has caused genuine distress to people at airports and annoyed tourists who don't need a lot of motivation to go spend their money in Australia instead of New Zealand.

The screenshot above does not say the TD is being dispensed with. It says the vaccination requirement is being dispensed with. The TD remains for contact tracing when we don't do contact tracing.

It is pointless paperwork and should be gone.

eracode

Smpl Mnmlst
9334 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6203

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2966525 13-Sep-2022 10:38

johno1234:

I know exactly what it means. As others have said, it has become pointless, so whether it is 1, 5 or 30 minutes it is annoying. Further, as others have mentioned, it has caused genuine distress to people at airports and annoyed tourists who don't need a lot of motivation to go spend their money in Australia instead of New Zealand.

The screenshot above does not say the TD is being dispensed with. It says the vaccination requirement is being dispensed with. The TD remains for contact tracing when we don't do contact tracing.

It is pointless paperwork and should be gone.

Not just annoying, it's now indefensible.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | ... | 9