Photo: Getty ImagesPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern says Australia's push to open borders with Singapore could threaten the goal of a trans-Tasman bubble with New Zealand. Australia and New Zealand have a longstanding agreement to remove quarantine obligations on travellers, dating back to May last year. On Sunday, Deputy PM Michael McCormack told the ABC of its goal to open to Singapore "potentially for a bubble in July". Ms Ardern told Radio NZ that New Zealand is not interested in joining the Singapore bubble - yet - as it focuses on Australia. Ms Ardern points to a spree of issues that are yet to be negotiated before a trans-Tasman bubble can be formed, including transit arrangements, eligibility, and protocols in the event of outbreaks.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 15, 2021 05:15 UTC