Photo / SuppliedNew Zealanders will soon be able to travel to the Cook Islands without having to quarantine for two weeks there - or on their return home. "The arrangement recognises the special ties between New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Brown welcomed the progress, noting that the free movement of people between New Zealand and the Cook Islands was central to the countries' close relationship and integral to the Cook Islands' recovery from the impact of Covid-19. As a result, the first step to the new agreement will involve New Zealand officials working to implement a quarantine-free access into New Zealand for anyone travelling from the Cook Islands. Ardern said: "Quarantine-free access for travellers from the Cook Islands to New Zealand will provide for the movement of people for delivering essential services, while allowing officials to finalise preparations for a safe return to two-way quarantine-free travel."

Source: Otago Daily Times December 11, 2020 21:00 UTC