Pursuant to section 69(2)(a) of the Immigration Act 2009, I waive the requirement to hold a visa permitting travel to New Zealand for individuals who:

1. are travelling to New Zealand before 10 February 2020 as part of the assisted departure flight from China chartered by the New Zealand Government, and
2. are approved to travel on the flight by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and
3. either require a visa to travel to New Zealand, and they do not hold a visa, or
4. require an Electronic Travel Authority to travel to New Zealand, and they do not hold an Electronic Travel Authority.

This special direction expires on 11 February 2020, unless cancelled earlier.

Dated this 2nd day of February 2020.

Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY, Minister of Immigration.