From June 19, Cook Islanders and work permit holders who have been in New Zealand for the past 30 days and want to return home, or take up or resume employment, will be eligible. They will not be required to go into quarantine.

The Cook Islands News reports that officials are also working to enable the return of those travelling from outside New Zealand, including work permit holders stranded in Australia and the Philippines.

As a Tourism operator we think this move is pretty awesome.  We are also keen for re-opening to Kiwi tourists when New Zealand lowers its lockdown status to level 1.  New Zealand officials have said Cook Islands and Niue could potentially join Australia in a safe travel "bubble" with New Zealand - the first such travel bubble in the world.

We look forward to welcoming you guys back soon - watch this space!