Will there be a Pacific bubble?
With New Zealand now in level one, important discussions are happening about the possibility of opening up a trans-Tasman and Pacific bubble.
Pacific islands rely heavily upon tourism and although they have successfully achieved few or no cases of COVID-19, the long-term economic devastation of this pandemic will continue as borders remain closed.
Several recent articles have highlighted an array of different views on when, or if, a Pacific bubble should occur:
This opinion piece from Colin Tukuitonga argues why a Pacific bubble should be prioritised over a trans-Tasman bubble.
Brook Sabin explains why a Pacific travel bubble isn’t as simple as some people believe.
Jacinda Ardern was interviewed on The AM Show explaining the New Zealand government’s decision to not rush into a Pacific bubble. Watch the interview below.
Radio New Zealand recently had a discussion with Michael Field around the issues that come with opening a Pacific bubble.