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Archived : Cross-Level Boundary Travel

Information for Auckland based participants

22 December 2021

This updated guidance applies to Auckland-based participants only who are requested or required to travel to attend an in-person hearing in a different part of the country. This information applies for the period in which a border restriction remains in force under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (aka Traffic Light System) and replaces the previous guidance which was issued in respect of cross-border travel under the former Alert Level system.[1]

The COVID-19 Public Health Response (Protection Framework) Order 2021 does not allow for any participant to travel out of Auckland to attend a judicial institution without either:

  • being fully vaccinated; or
  • carrying evidence of a negative test administered within 72 hours prior to travel.

The updated Attendance Protocol, attached as Appendix 1, sets out the conditions required by the Order and that Judges expect all participants who travel out of Auckland to comply with. This protocol remains in force until modified or withdrawn.

Any person who believes they cannot meet the requirements of this attendance protocol should seek the direction of the presiding judge.

 

[1] At time of publication, it is anticipated that the border restrictions for the Auckland region will be lifted from 18 January 2022.

Appendix 1

Attendance Protocol

(Cross-level boundary travel)

Second edition - Traffic light system

  • The only restrictions on travel that currently apply are to people travelling out of the extended Auckland area.
  • Participants must either be vaccinated or receive and carry evidence of a negative test administered within 72 hours prior to crossing out of the extended Auckland region.
  • Alternatively a person may carry evidence that they have been examined by a medical practitioner no more than 72 hours before their journey began and that their needs make it inappropriate to undergo a COVID-19 test but they do not exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.
  • All other mandated Public Health order requirements must be met in the area they travel into.
  • Those who have travelled from Auckland and are staying outside of the Auckland region for an extended period (e.g. for a hearing over a number of days) will be strongly encouraged to have a test at regular intervals.
  • A face mask is to be worn in court buildings at all times (unless you have an exemption), including in public and office spaces
  • A face mask is to be worn in the courtroom unless a judge directs otherwise (unless you have an exemption)
  • The entry of visiting counsel and court participants to the courthouse (other than a defendant in custody) is to be via the front door so appropriate entry requirements are adhered to.