Update 22 September 2021

Currently most of New Zealand outside of Auckland is at Alert Level 2, with Auckland at Level 3.a section 70 notice has been issued for your area

For those north of State Highway 2, centred on Mangatangi (boundary map here) a section 70 notice has been issued for your area until at least 11.59am Friday 24 September 2021. It is likely you will need to get MBIE business documentation to travel in and out of this area (see below for information) and we are waiting for confirmation on this. In the meantime, we recommend for those who must travel in this area to take with them identification and a letter confirming that you are conducting essential business (template is available here).

The differences in COVID-19 Alert levels between Auckland and its north and south boundaries means essential workers travelling across either Auckland boundary area, need to hold approved travel documentation from MBIE and proof of COVID-19 surveillance testing. This is also likely to be needed for crossing boundaries from the Upper Hauraki region (more details to come when they are available). 

The boundary map of Auckland to north and south (including Upper Hauraki) is available here.

• The MBIE business travel document system for applications is at business.govt.nz.
• To get approved documentation for your farm, you will require a REALMe login – apply here now.
• And you will need an NZ Business Number at nzbn.govt.nz.
• You will also need evidence to support your real and urgent need to travel - the more information to support your application the better. It is recommended that you list the reason for boundary crossing is for "food production".
• To cross the boundary, every worker will need their exemption letter plus photo ID with them. Use it only for the purpose outlined in the letter when the level changes are in place.
• Essential workers travelling across the COVID-19 alert levels will need to have proof of having had a Covid test within the 7 days before them crossing from 11.59 pm on 16 September 2021 (for further details see health.govt.nz).
• Border workers now have the choice to provide saliva as a sample for surveillance testing for COVID-19 rather than undertake a nasal swab. See Saliva testing border workers. And they can book in the saliva test here. To register the essential worker will need to have their NHI number – they can find this on places such as their prescriptions, hospital letters or by calling the Ministry of Health 0800 855 066.
• Businesses now have a duty to facilitate that testing is done prior to the employee crossing the boundary (for further details from MPI clause 19B).
• COVID-19 testing will be available on the Southern boundary, please refer to the Healthpoint website to see where your local testing sites are.
• See current alert level information at covid19.govt.nz.

Not all travel exemptions will be accepted so you may need to make alternative plans. Consider:

• Can someone else on the other side of the border move my stock/do the work?
• Can I the source goods and services I need from another town/service centre?
• Check if your usual service business has a branch on your side of the border.
• Check with your vet practice for how they will be operating under the new border restrictions.

Businesses must operate safely and meet COVID-19 requirements. 

For information on business travel across the Auckland boundaries visit covid19.govt.nz.

• Further information on the current Alert Level 2 is available here and on the MPI website.

Information on the differences between alert levels are available here. 

Details on our primary sector is available at the MBIE website and MPI's website.

We will update this page as more information becomes available.

Book a vaccination here.

For any questions

• phone us on 0800 4 324 7969
• email us at info@dairynz.co.nz
• phone your local consulting officer

If you need help now, phone Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.