A pregnant New Zealander who has been stranded in Sydney will return home after being granted an exemption for a mercy flight. Carol Taupau, who has been stuck in Sydney since flying there for her aunt's funeral in June, is 26 weeks pregnant, has two young children at home and can't work remotely. After initially being told she wouldn't qualify for a priority seat, Taupau received the positive news yesterday afternoon. "I just saw the top half of the message and it said my application was approved, I was really really overwhelmed. "I'm looking forward to coming out of isolation just before my son's fifth birthday celebration… I am very happy," she said.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 13, 2021 21:00 UTC