Common topics for media questions
Answers to the most requested information and data. Information on these pages can be attributed to a managed isolation and quarantine spokesperson.
On this page
In this section
Cleaning and infection prevention
Managed Isolation and Quarantine takes the safety of workers and their families, whānau and broader communities very seriously.
Cohorting
A cohort is a group of people arriving in New Zealand over the same 2-day period.
Emergency allocations of managed isolation vouchers
Places in managed isolation are often limited due to high demand. MIQ has an Emergency Allocation process which exists for limited situations which require urgent travel to New Zealand within the next 14 days. This is a last resort option with a very high threshold. It is important to note that people still need to complete their 10 days managed isolation.
Exemptions from managed isolation
Managed isolation and quarantine is an important part of New Zealand’s border measures to keep COVID-19 out of New Zealand.
Facilities
We have 32 facilities in 5 regions. There are currently no plans to establish managed isolation or quarantine facilities in any other locations.
Fees and waivers
We take the recovery of the money owed for MIQ stays very seriously. Fundamentally it is taxpayers money and people should repay what they owe.
MIQ staff
On any given day there are around 4,500 people working in our 31 facilities. The number can change, based on capacity demands and the needs of returnees. Staff work in shifts, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Omicron variant
Information on this page can be attributed to a managed isolation and quarantine spokesperson.
Quarantine free travel to New Zealand
Find out when you can travel to New Zealand without having to enter a managed isolation facility, or self-isolate, when you arrive.
Returnees who refuse testing
The legal basis for returnees entering isolation or quarantine when entering New Zealand is included in the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Isolation and Quarantine) Order 2020.
Self-Isolation Pilot
Information on this page can be attributed to a managed isolation and quarantine spokesperson.
The Self-Isolation Pilot has now finished with 79 participants safely completing their stay.
Staff COVID-19 testing
Testing is fundamentally the obligation of employers and employees – under the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Required Testing) Order 2020 employees are responsible for getting tested and the employer is responsible for ensuring their employees are being tested and keeping the Border Worker Testing Register information up to date.
Staff vaccination
All work in MIQ facilities is undertaken by vaccinated workers.
Supporting mental health
Managed isolation or quarantine is a challenging time that affects people going through it in different ways.
Vouchers and the Managed Isolation Allocation System
Managed Isolation and Quarantine is aware that travelling around the world right now is not simple or easy and acknowledges that there are many people in really difficult situations as a result of this global pandemic.