Pursuant to section 86(4)(b) of the Immigration Act 2009, I suspend the waiver of the requirement to hold a transit visa before travelling to and being in New Zealand as a transit passenger, as specified in Regulation 16 of the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010, except for Schedule 1(2) – Citizens of Australia and people who hold a current permanent residence visa (including a resident return visa) issued by the Government of Australia, where Australia is their final destination.

Pursuant to section 86(4)(a) of the Immigration Act 2009, I classify the immediate family members (spouses, minor dependants and legal guardians) of Australian citizens and holders of a current permanent residence visa (including a resident return visa) issued by the Government of Australia as persons to whom a transit visa waiver applies, where Australia is their final destination.

This special direction comes into force at 11.59pm on 19 March 2020. This special direction expires on 19 June 2020, unless cancelled earlier.

Dated this 19th day of March 2020.

Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY, Minister of Immigration.