Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
NZers left country during lockdown, returned via stays in managed isolation
A number of Kiwis flew out of the country during lockdown then returned within weeks, many staying at managed isolation hotels.
Official figures show 60 people left the country after alert level 4 restrictions were introduced and returned before May.
Those who arrived back after 9 April would have stayed at managed isolation hotels on their return.
See all RNZ coverage of Covid-19
The reasons for travel varied with 20 visiting friends and relatives and 14 travelling in and out of New Zealand for business.
Statistics NZ said data from May onwards would be released next month.
The minister in charge of managed isolation, Megan Woods, said about $80 million had been spent so far on the compulsory 14-day isolation period for every returning New Zealander, with nearly $300 million budgeted to keep the system running for the rest of the year.
Māori King to be updated regularly
The Māori King will receive regular updates on the status of returning New Zealanders staying in isolation at a Waikato-Tainui owned hotel.
Ibis Hotel in central Hamilton, one of two Waikato-Tainui hotels being used as managed isolation facilities, is preparing to host a large number of New Zealander's coming back into the country next week.
Waikato-Tainui executive chair Rukumoana Schaafhausen said police, defence force and Ministry of health had all provided assurances that safety processes would be stringently followed.
Kiingi Tūheitia will also receive regular status reports from the Covid-19 all of government response group.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Peter Dunne: Luxon Gets Out His Butcher's Knife - Briefly
Binoy Kampmark: Warring Against Encryption, Australia Is Coming For Your Communications
Gordon Campbell: On Fast Track Powers, Media Woes And The Tiktok Ban
Binoy Kampmark: Censorship Wars, Elon Musk, Safety Commissioners And Violent Content
Gordon Campbell: On The Public Sector Carnage, And Misogyny As Terrorism
Ramzy Baroud: NATO’s Never-ending War: The 75-Year-Old Bully Is Faltering