However, many Kiwis in Australia - about 700,000 - were disconsolate to learn they would still need to win the \"MIQ lottery\" to return.<\/p>\n
MIQ places are given out in randomised ballots.<\/p>\n
As demand outstrips supply, tens of thousands of people have been effectively barred from returning.<\/p>\n
Grounded Kiwis, a lobby and support group set up for the locked out, said the government's changes didn't make sense.<\/p>\n
\"For many who already have an MIQ spot, there was good news today: they will have a shorter stay. But what about the NZ citizens and residents who can't get home ... the stressful and dispiriting lotteries will continue,\" a statement read.<\/p>\n
\"When will fully-vaccinated Kiwis and residents be able to enter quarantine-free? They need certainty and they didn't get it.\"<\/p>\n
The Grounded Kiwis Facebook page is a sea of anger and pain, where many go to vent their frustrations.<\/p>\n
\"A cruel unjust system rife with double standards, MIQ fees that still present a burden to those who are financially challenged, the lottery hunger game pitting one person against another,\" one poster wrote.<\/p>\n
\"And truly a lot of waffling about this and that. I'm currently planning to be locked out for up to another year. Hope not, but...\"<\/p>\n
The government is allowing hundreds of Kiwis who catch COVID-19 in its Delta outbreak to isolate at home.<\/p>\n
A string of public health experts called out the illogicality of allowing that practice while overseas-based Kiwis - who are fully vaccinated and test negative - are unable to head home and do the same.<\/p>\n
\"I would have liked to see a stronger focus for those wishing to return to New Zealand who are double-vaccinated to have the ability to safely self-isolate at home,\" University of Otago senior lecturer Lesley Gray said.<\/p>\n
\"The many other New Zealanders still overseas trying to get back to families and loved ones have experienced many months of anxiety.\"<\/p>\n
Nick Wilson, also from the University of Otago, said the dozens of cases in Auckland each day meant the government should change its approach.<\/p>\n
\"Given that the goal of COVID-19 control in Auckland is no longer elimination ... perhaps vaccinated people returning from overseas to just Auckland should be able to by-pass MIQ facilities completely and go straight to home quarantine,\" he said.<\/p>\n
New Zealand travellers at Sydney International Airport, Sydney, Monday, April 19, 2021. Source: AAP<\/p>\n
ACT party leader David Seymour joined the chorus, saying the government's announcement \"means the cruel COVID lottery hunger games continue\".<\/p>\n
\"Jacinda Ardern keeps talking about the team of five million. We're actually a team of six million, there are a million Kiwis offshore who will be crushed,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"ACT would allow fully vaccinated people who have tested negative to self-isolate. If it's good enough for COVID positive people, it should be good enough for low-risk people who just want to come home.\"<\/p>\n
Ms Ardern said the government will review its settings late next month.<\/p>\n
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Border changes keeping thousands of Kiwis in Australia from coming home criticised - SBS News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" However, many Kiwis in Australia - about 700,000 - were disconsolate to learn they would still need to win the \"MIQ lottery\" to return. MIQ places are given out in randomised ballots Continue reading