COVID-19 in New Zealand

The New Zealand Government has several measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand.

Before you arrive

Remember to check the COVID-19 requirements for any country you travel through on your way to New Zealand and for each airline you are flying with on your journey.

Vaccinations

You do not need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand. However, please check with your airline as they may still require proof of vaccination.

While New Zealand no longer has a vaccine mandate in place, some businesses may require you show proof of vaccination in order to enter. You will be able to request a My Vaccine Pass for use within Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information on how to apply for the Pass, please read this guide.

When you arrive in New Zealand

At 11.59 pm on Sunday 18 September, the New Zealand Government discontinued the COVID-19 protection framework. This is due to case numbers falling, a highly vaccinated population, and increased access to antiviral medicines to treat COVID-19. International travellers do not need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand, and do not have to take a pre-departure test.

Where to get face masks and COVID-19 tests

If you are symptom free and cannot easily make it to a collection point, you can pick up free packs of surgical face masks and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) at these locations on campus:

  • Lecture theatres and tutorial rooms
  • Student Service Centres (staff and students):
    • Hunter Building Ground floor
    • Pipitea: Ground floor
    • Te Aro: Ground floor
  • VUWSA, Level 4 Student Union Building (students only)
  • Āwhina whānau rooms (students only)
    • RHMZ219
    • VZ004
    • GB26 office
  • Pasifika Student Success (students only)
    • VZ511
    • CO145a (MPI shared space)
    • TTR107 (MPI shared space)
    • VS128a (MPI shared space)
    • RHMZ18
    • MO102

Supplies are limited, so please only collect what you need.

There is also a limited supply of N95 / P2 masks available for staff and students who are at higher risk of the effects of COVID-19. These can be collected from the Mailroom (2 Waiteata Road) for staff, and Te Amaru—Disability Services (Level 1, Robert Stout Building) for students.

Masks

You are not required to wear face masks in teaching and learning spaces at the University. You do not need to wear a face mask outdoors or when exercising.

You can get free medical face masks when you pick up free RATs at testing centres around Wellington. Find a testing centre with free face masks, or how you can order free face masks online.

If you are unwell

If you get sick you should stay in your accommodation and study remotely wherever possible. Almost all courses will be offered in-person and online in 2022.

If you contract COVID-19 in New Zealand, and you are insured with Studentsafe University insurance, the medical cost of treatment will be covered. But if you have other types of insurance, you need to contact your insurance company to find out whether they will cover it.

If you are concerned about your studies or your wellbeing, contact International Student Support.

You can also find out more about testing positive for COVID-19 and getting support while you are unwell on the University’s COVID-19 website.