(First published September 15, 2021)All 3700 spots in the third round of the MIQ booking lottery have sold out, two hours after the virtual lobby opened. Following a pause on MIQ bookings, the Government launched the virtual lobby system in September designed to address inequities created by bots and automated scripts. On her third attempt using the new lobby system today, Slade was 13,046 in the queue. Supplied Chantel Slade is stuck in the United States with an expired visa, attempting to get home via the MIQ virtual lobby. LAWRENCE SMITH/Stuff From midday, Kiwis overseas will try their luck through the MIQ virtual lobby system for a chance at booking one of 3700 rooms available between October and January.

Source: Stuff October 04, 2021 19:18 UTC