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Julie Simpson / Stuff
Opua in the Bay of Islands. (File photo)
Three Germans who sailed to the Bay of Islands on their yacht have been detained while Immigration NZ makes arrangements to get them out of the country on the next available flight.
His 16-meter boat, Anita, arrived in Opua on Friday afternoon despite being denied permission to enter the country by the Health Ministry.
They had requested an exception to the Covid-19 maritime border restrictions for their vessel, but chose to embark on their journey before receiving approval.
Anita was met by the New Zealand Customs patrol vessel Hawk V and escorted to a quarantine dock at Opua Marina.
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A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health confirmed that the ship requested an exemption, “although after they had already set sail for New Zealand.”
“They requested exemptions for two reasons, humanitarian and taking the ship to New Zealand for repair,” he said.
“His application was rejected because the Director General of Health was not reasonably satisfied that the ship was in dire need of reaching New Zealand that would meet the high threshold required for any of these exemptions.
Exemptions to New Zealand’s closed maritime border should be sought before a ship embarks on its journey to New Zealand and obtained prior to arrival, he said.
MORNING REPORT / RNZ
The government is being warned that it might have to prevent New Zealanders from returning home from countries with a high risk of Covid-19, such as India.
“The Ministry has provided guidance to potential applicants that ‘humanitarian reasons’ are unlikely to include situations related solely to financial losses, or to vessels traveling primarily for pleasure or convenience, as tourists or ‘wintering’.”
People on vessels traveling to New Zealand to avoid the Pacific cyclone season may have other genuine humanitarian reasons or other compelling needs to come, which would need to be demonstrated for these vessels to qualify for an exemption, but financial loss alone en You are unlikely to meet the criteria.
“While there were aspects of the case that were unfortunate, they did not rise to the threshold of dire humanitarian need,” he said.
SUPPLIED
NZ Customs’ Hawk V intercepted the yacht Anita. (File photo)
“As much as our country is known for its hospitality, New Zealand cannot become a Covid-19 maritime haven for everyone in unfortunate circumstances.”
Immigration NZ national visa and border operations manager Peter Elms said his decision to travel here without approval knowingly “demonstrates blatant disregard for New Zealand’s border restrictions.”
“Being denied entry can have long-term consequences for individuals – their New Zealand visa-exempt status may be suspended and it may affect their ability to travel to other countries in the future.”
Non-New Zealanders and returning residents must be exempt from border restrictions or have received a border exception, regardless of whether they are traveling by air or sea.
The ship’s crew was tested for Covid-19, which came back negative. They have also been isolated on their boat for more than 14 days.
“The rapid response to this situation should send a clear message to others who might consider doing something similar. Attempting to violate New Zealand’s border controls is serious business and will be addressed accordingly. “
