Safe trans-Tasman bubble good for economy

NZAC media release

Opening the border to Australian travellers has the potential to inject up to NZ$4.07 billion into the New Zealand economy between now and Christmas 2020 according to a paper just released by Ernst & Young (EY) Australia.

Kevin Ward, co-chair of NZAC (New Zealand Aviation Coalition), says the economic boost described by EY ranges between NZ$2.03B and $4.07B depending on whether travel follows historic patterns, or gets turbo charged by pent-up demand – just as shopping has in New Zealand post-Level 4 lockdown.

“NZAC has been working on a border proposal so that the trans-Tasman bubble can happen when it is safe,” says Mr Ward.

“The EY report also shows a big increase in the number of jobs opening the border would help create.

“Following on from last week’s paper by Sir Peter Gluckman, the Rt Hon Helen Clark and Rob Fyfe ‘Re-engaging New Zealand with the World’, NZAC believes solutions to safe trans-Tasman travel can be found, with significant benefit to New Zealand.”

About the New Zealand Aviation Coalition

NZAC is an industry group representing New Zealand’s leading airlines and airports: Air New Zealand, Auckland Airport, BARNZ, Christchurch Airport, NZ Airports’ Association, Qantas, JetStar, Queenstown Airport and Wellington Airport. Its goal is to rapidly rebuild New Zealand’s domestic and international air transport network. It is working closely with government and experts to create the ability to travel safely by air both at home and overseas. 

For more information contact:                                                                       

Kevin Ward                                                                                                                        
New Zealand Aviation Coalition co-chair                                                                 
Tel:  021 384 524                        

Media requests:

Felicity Anderson
Trio Communications
Tel: 021 22 40 520