Australia-New Zealand travel bubble could happen before Christmas
A travel bubble with New Zealand could be in place before Christmas, New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister says.
Winston Peters told Today the country was "raring to go", and said it would be a welcome boost for tourism on both sides of the Tasman.
However, he said it depends on establishing coronavirus tracing protocols and other systems, especially given Melbourne's second COVID-19 outbreak.
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An Air New Zealand passenger aircraft takes off from Christchurch International Airport in New Zealand. NurPhoto via Getty Images
New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters say he's 'raring to go' on a travel bubble. Nine
"We have never given up hope on the bubble plan," Mr Peters told Today.
"We are raring to go and the sooner to get going the better.
"We have worked on it very staunchly for a long time and the real issue is whether or not we can ensure that the protocols work for both countries.
"I think the talks are not the problem.
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"It is the empirical evidence about the data that has been the handicap, when you think about how cautious we have tried to be, given the disappointment of the Melbourne experience in particular."
Mr Peters said travel could be done safely by following Scott Morrison's suggestion of establishing breakout hotspots, rather than closing down entire cities or states if there is a rise in coronavirus cases.
New Zealanders could be allowed to travel to Sydney. Getty
The issue was discussed at last week's National Cabinet meeting, with the PM saying travel could happen by the end of 2020.
"Prime Minister Morrison mentioned a very interesting concept about the trouble spots and the different hot spots we might have to more focus on rather than close the whole state down or city down," Mr Peters said.
"I think personally he is right."
A relatively deserted Parnell Rise as Aucklanders return to level three lockdown on August 13, 2020. Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
When asked if travel between the two countries could be happening in time for Christmas, he said, "I think it is capable of happening much, much sooner than that."
It has been suggested a bubble could be set up to allow New Zealanders to travel to NSW within weeks, but nothing has been confirmed.
The New Zealand city of Auckland had a handful of new virus cases last month and went into a temporary lockdown, which is now over.
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