New Zealand coronavirus

New Zealand’s latest COVID-19 outbreak has once again delayed the country’s return to top-level face-to-face diplomacy. That will have a cost.

After living mostly COVID-free throughout the pandemic, New Zealand has hit its worst point since April 2020. 

Australia had previously allowed New Zealanders to arrive without going into quarantine but New Zealand had taken a more cautious approach.

Auckland has the country's first cases of local transmission in over 100 days, sparking a renewed lockdown and a scramble to contact trace.

Watching for a second wave, China acts to combat a resurgence of coronavirus cases.

Australia and New Zealand have begun easing restrictions and are discussing the possibility of a “COVID-safe travel zone” between the two countries.

How an old alliance can guide Australia’s post-coronavirus future.

Geographical isolation and bold political action could help New Zealand rid itself of the new virus altogether.