Welcome Pack

This Welcome Pack was published by the New Zealand Government. It is the 6th version, and includes information on services and rules, how the 14 day managed isolation will play out, health screening and Covid-19 testing, mental health and well-being, and departure arrangements. Four loose sheets are tucked inside detailing testing requirements, booking walking slots (half an hour a day), and preparing a departure plan. This copy was given to returnee Alan Gibson when he arrived at his heavily guarded Managed Isolation Facility in Auckland on 11 October 2021. He had flown from San Francisco, via Los Angeles, departing on 9 October.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) are key parts of New Zealand’s border control strategy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Until mid-November 2021, international arrivals to New Zealand were required to stay in managed isolation for 14 days, and be clear of Covid-19 symptoms for at least 72 hours before they could leave (four Covid-19 swab tests were conducted during the 14 days). MIQ is a legal requirement under the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Isolation and Quarantine) Order 2020. MIQ systems have evolved throughout the pandemic as new information and new variants have emerged. Since July 2020 the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has been responsible for MIQ facilities, supported by almost 1000 defence personnel.

Alan recounts the events of Day 0: 'On arrival at my MIQ hotel, there was another multi-stage process, staffed by a mixture of uniformed army personnel and hotel staff: a. Initial briefing on the bus about MIQ hotel protocols. b. NZ SIM-card handouts. c. Confirmation of identity and questions about planned length of stay in NZ and other logistical matters. d. Registration; receipt of room key and welcome pack. e. Menu ordering for first two days. f. Pick-up of Day 0 breakfast. g. Check-into room. h. Phone call to set up Day 0 COVID-19 test that afternoon, via QR code sent to cell phone. The whole process was very smooth, well-practiced, polite, and often friendly. But it’s a lot to absorb after travelling all night across the Pacific and multiple time zones!!’ His luggage was delivered that day by a woman wearing full personal protective gear.