kiwibok

So then why are taxpayers (already in NZ) not entitled to the same benefit? We had to fork out our own hard earned cash to pay to keep ourselves in isolation during lock down.

Pom_Chch

I think it's fair enough to start charging certain people in certain situations who are returning. There isn't an unlimited pot of money and quarantine is going to be needed for many months. For those who do not have to return and are simply doing it because the COVID situation is better in NZ than where they currently are, then too right they should pay or stay where they are.

Pollyana

Speaking from the viewpoint of someone who works in the coordination centre for the COVID response in Queensland, one of the reasons that the charge is so high is because that is what the quarantine providers - ie the hotels - charge the government. The government has undertaken to use only high end hotels, so that they have a reasonable room size, and good expectations for service delivery. That means that the room coasts are fairly high as most of the places used are 4 or 5 star. The rate being charged to the public for room and board is pretty much the same rate that the government was paying for each room originally. So unless the government continues to subsidise the travellers, thats the rate they have to pass on.

Justcol

What, by staying at home. ??
How did that run up any bills
I ended up saving a shitload of money
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paddy234

What I can't understand is why NZ has closed borders with other Australian states that don't have community transmission such as WA and Tasmania. It makes no sense

Justcol

Because we can never trust the under arm bowling Australians

Mishclark

Have you seen the news in Oz lately? Too many sneaky buggers including the two girls lying when arriving in Qld and super spreading everywhere. Can't be trusted.

And I'm saying this as an Ozzie stuck in Australia because of idiots like them..

Mishclark

🤣🤣