Passenger flights to resume October 18th but with limited numbers
Premier Dalton Tagelagi this morning announced at the Fono Ekepule that Cabinet has agreed in principle to recommence the passenger flights on Monday 18th October.
The number of passengers is limited to 20 per flight if there are children or less depending on the capacity at the government’s preferred quarantine facility the Scenic Matavai apartments at Homofiti.
Hon. Dalton Tagelagi says that they are working very closely with their health advisors in New Zealand and in Niue, to ensure that is safe to allow our people to return, starting with the first flight in two weeks’ time.
Premier Tagelagi in his address said that Cabinet had decided to resume the flights because waiting for the number of cases in NZ to drop to zero may mean our stranded people will not be home until perhaps next year.
The Premier said that Cabinet is working closely with the Ministry of Health of both Niue and New Zealand and with Dr. Colin Tukuitonga to provide the necessary advice as to the conditions and requirements when the passenger flight recommence.
The lawmakers today also passed an amendment to the Immigration law with the Immigration (Health emergencies) Act 2021 which will allow for key provisions such as the powers to impose travel restrictions during times of health emergencies, such as this pandemic.
The changes also allow for Cabinet to prescribe regulations and provide powers to the Chief immigration officer to share information with their counterparts in New Zealand.
