To meet domestic travel requirements from mid-December, 15-minute Covid-19 rapid antigen testing will be available at no cost from community pharmacies throughout New Zealand until the end of January 2022.

When the Auckland boundary lifts at 11:59pm on Tuesday, December 14, anyone travelling from Auckland who is not fully vaccinated will need to carry with them evidence of a negative test result within 72 hours of travel.

In addition, those who are travelling in other parts of the country with a transport company that requires unvaccinated individuals to be tested will also be required to carry evidence of a negative test.

'Aucklanders have borne the brunt of the Delta outbreak, facing restrictions for an extended period to keep the rest of New Zealand safe,” says Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.

'But the time has come to allow all New Zealanders to reconnect with one another over summer as safely as possible.”

Testing for asymptomatic unvaccinated individuals over 12 years wishing to depart from Auckland, and asymptomatic unvaccinated domestic travellers from elsewhere in New Zealand, can be a supervised rapid antigen test at selected community pharmacies.

'For rapid antigen tests, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends this is administered as close as possible to the time of travel, preferably within 24 hours before departure,” says Dr Bloomfield.

'Travellers are still able to use a negative PCR test to meet any travel requirements, but that is not recommended. Using the alternative rapid antigen test will allow our laboratories to focus on processing PCR tests. This will reduce the turnaround time for returning results to symptomatic people and close contacts of confirmed cases as we continue to respond to the current outbreak.”

Asymptomatic unvaccinated travellers over 12 years from other parts of New Zealand will need a proof of negative test taken within 72 hours if they travel with a transport company that decides to implement this testing requirement for travel on their service.

Unvaccinated workers who are already part of a testing regime for crossing the Auckland boundary can continue with their current regime – other unvaccinated workers can use the negative test within 72 hours.

'Testing to meet domestic travel requirements will be free of charge for the core summer period and available from 15 December 2021 to 31 January 2022,” says Dr Bloomfield.

'Rapid antigen testing is not to be used for symptomatic individuals. Advice for people who are unwell and have Covid-19 symptoms continues to be, stay home and get a PCR test.”

Police will have operational discretion on the enforcement of these rules, with people breaking the rules facing an infringement fine of $1,000.

'A significant amount of movement happens across the country during this period, so we have added this safety net to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading but we have also been pragmatic,” says Dr Bloomfield.

'Air New Zealand have made a vaccine certificate or proof of a negative test a requirement before you fly, and these requirements also begin on 15 December. There will be spot checks for travellers out of Auckland airport.

'These testing requirements are another layer in our protection with Covid-19 in the community.

'As we enter the next phase, there will be challenges ahead. We will continue to see cases, and in places we haven't so far.

'It's crucial that all of us, right around the country, continue to play our part, so we can enjoy the summer we all deserve. Most importantly, if you are unwell, stay home and don't go out or travel until you've had a negative PCR test.”