A conference call of Australia’s cabinet last week had an unusual participant: the prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern. She was invited to join the virtual meeting — the first New Zealand premier to do so since the second world war — to discuss the idea of a “ trans-Tasman travel bubble” to enable travel and trade to resume between the two nations. There are particular reasons why such an arrangement makes sense for neighbours who share enviable records in controlling coronavirus. But the model might be applied elsewhere to speed the recovery of economic activity.
New Zealand and Australia have been among the world’s most successful developed economies in their antivirus efforts, limiting Covid-19 deaths to 21 and 97 respectively as of Monday. Ms Ardern, commendably, listened to scientific advisers, took a political decision to impose one of the world’s toughest lockdowns, implemented it well, and communicated in an empathetic manner. Australia’s authorities were criticised for mishandling a cruise ship outbreak. But they have an efficient test and trace regime, with an app using technology licensed from Singapore.
Strict border controls have contributed to both nations’ success; Australia has warned October is the earliest it might reopen to international travel, but arrivals would still need to quarantine for 14 days. Opening a trans-Tasman bubble is therefore a sensible option. Australia is New Zealand’s biggest source of tourists; New Zealanders are second only to the Chinese in Australia’s tourist market.