Border Exceptions for the 36th America’s Cup

Event organisers and employers are eligible to request exceptions to border restrictions for “critical workers”. Requests for exceptions for critical workers must be submitted by either the employer or the event organiser, who must assume costs of the border exception and managed isolation(external link). Applicants may also request exceptions for the critical worker’s partner and dependent children.

To receive an exception the person must meet the following criteria

If working in New Zealand for less than 6 months:

• The worker must have unique experience and technical or specialist skills that are not obtainable in New Zealand
  OR
• The work must be significant in terms of a government approved programme (which in this case is the 36th America’s Cup) AND
• The role must be time critical (e.g. if the person does not come to New Zealand, the event will cease or be severely compromised, or significant costs will be incurred)

If working in New Zealand for longer than 6 months:

Event organisers and employers can also request an exception for a worker to stay longer than 6 months if they meet one of the above criteria and have a role that is essential for the delivery or execution of the 36th America’s Cup.

Submitting a request does not mean that an exception will be granted, and a high bar has been set for approving requests. Once your application is received, it will be assessed based on the criteria.

How to apply

Please fill out the PDF form and follow the instructions on the Immigration New Zealand website(external link).

Isolation requirements

Upon entry to New Zealand everyone is required to enter 14 days managed isolation or quarantine. An exception to border restrictions is not an exception to this mandatory isolation requirement. Isolation must occur at an approved government facility.

Please note that it might not be possible for the workers to travel on your preferred date or to do isolation in your preferred city, and employers may need to work with Government to agree dates before flights are booked.

The costs of managed isolation, including accommodation at government approved facilities and food, for any person entering New Zealand under the essential skills category must be paid by the employer or sponsoring agency (which, in the case of the Major Events Fund portfolio, can be the event organiser).

More information on Managed Isolation and Quarantine is available at miq.govt.nz(external link)

What to expect in Managed Isolation

The purpose of managed isolation is to ensure people do not have COVID-19 before they return to our communities. People are tested around day 3 and day 12 of their stay, and they must test negative before they can leave managed isolation. You will be met by staff from the quarantine and managed isolation programme at your facility. They will be in regular contact with you and can provide any support you need.

For more information and to plan for a stay in managed isolation visit the Managed isolation and quarantine website(external link)