New Zealand will stand strong on its pledge to not open up to Australia for quarantine-free travel until it records a long run without community transmission of COVID-19.
On Friday, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack announced NSW and the Northern Territory would allow Kiwis to bypass the compulsory fortnight of quarantine on arrival from October 16.
New Zealand is yet to reciprocate as it pursues an elimination strategy of the virus.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reiterated one of the chief criteria for New Zealand to allow visitors to skip quarantine would be the origin country or state recording a month without local spread of the virus.
"That's key for us. One of our criteria is 28 days clear," she said.
"You can see from NSW, they themselves are still warning their population but they're not at the stage clear as to whether they still have community transmission.
"So there's a bit of time here for who we would consider it safe to have a two-way quarantine-free travel arrangement."
On Saturday, NSW health authorities announced eight consecutive days without a locally transmitted case, making 23 October the next possible day it could fulfil New Zealand's requirements.
Still, it is unlikely Ms Ardern's government will move on borders that quickly, given other requirements including assurances on border controls, splitting up airports and flights.
"We're not ready," Ms Ardern said, pointing to Queensland's border arrangements and suggesting a go-slow was more in line with her thinking.
"It's not every state (that's opening up) even though there are some other states that have been free of community transmission for longer."
In announcing Australia's shift, Mr McCormack said Kiwis would be welcome to come across, "pick our fruit, shear our sheep, fall in love".
Ms Ardern said while she wanted New Zealanders to holiday at home, helping an embattled domestic tourism industry, Kiwis were welcome to fall in love with Australians.
"Shearing and finding love? Absolutely!", she said.
"I'm not (worried about that). We've had generations worth of New Zealanders and Australians moving between New Zealand and Australia."
On Saturday, NZ health authorities recorded another day without local transmission.
That stretch without community cases is likely to see the government do away with its remaining COVID-19 restrictions after a cabinet decision on Monday.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at https://sbs.com.au/coronavirus
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW,Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania
