The New Zealand Government has announced a phased 5-stage border re-opening.
✈️ Here's what you need to know:
- The critical worker border exceptions cover teachers for Stages 1 and 2 of the border reopening. This comes under the current border exception for 300 overseas-trained teachers.
- Coming from Australia: Border reopens to vaccinated New Zealanders and other eligible travellers on 27 February.
- Rest of the World: Border reopens to New Zealanders and other eligible travellers 13 March.
- Managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) removed for most travellers, replaced by self-isolation and tests on arrival.
⚠️ The 5 Stages:
- 11.59 pm 27 February: Self-isolation opens for New Zealanders and other eligible travellers (e.g. people with border exceptions) coming from Australia.
- 11.59 pm 13 March: New Zealanders and eligible travellers from the rest of the world; skilled workers earning 1.5x median wage; working holiday visas.
- 11.59 pm 12 April: Offshore temporary visa holders who still meet visa requirements; 5000 international students; further class exceptions for critical workforces considered.
- By July: Anyone from Australia; visa-waiver travel; Accredited Employer Work Visa will open.
- In October: Border reopens to the rest of the world, all visa categories fully reopen.
? COVID-19 & Self-Isolation
- New Zealand is currently at the Red Traffic Light Setting with the Omicron variant currently in the community. Red is not a lockdown, but there are restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Self-isolation is only available for fully vaccinated travellers who are eligible to enter New Zealand.
- Travellers will self-isolate for 10 days. If New Zealand's self-isolation period changes, such as a drop to 7 days, the self-isolation period for travellers will also change. This change will occur in response to the phase of the Omicron outbreak.
- Travellers will be provided three rapid antigen tests at the airport, one for use on day 0/1, and one for use on day 5/6, with one extra for backup.
? Connect with your ep.education consultant:
- Our consultants prioritise candidates that are a good match for our client schools and centres that meet the border exception criteria.
- If your situation has changed, or you haven't been in contact with your ep.education consultant recently, please reach out to be considered for upcoming roles.
- Visit our Career Portal to view and apply for our latest vacancies.
Frequently Asked Questions ?
Will these changes make it easier to get a job in NZ?
These changes will not increase the number of vacant roles in New Zealand, but employers will be more willing to employ international teachers. With the upcoming changes, employers have more guarantee that you can get here on time if they do employ you.
When I self isolate do I have to be in a place on my own?
The self-isolation requirements currently: Self-isolation is only available for fully vaccinated travellers. You can travel to self-isolation using public or private transport. While you are self-isolating, any household members you have not travelled with can come and go as normal - unless you return a positive COVID-19 test.
I'm wanting to bring my children, do they have to be vaccinated to avoid MIQ?
Unvaccinated children aged 16 years and under can enter self-isolation on arrival if they are travelling alone, or if they are travelling with parents or guardians who meet the vaccination requirements for self-isolation.